Japan had been on the brink of reaching the knockout rounds following their 2-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day and the Spain result sent both of them sailing through.
AUCKLAND - Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday as both won with ease.
Teresa Abelleira put Spain, 3-0 winners over Costa Rica in their World Cup opener, ahead after nine minutes with one of the best goals of the tournament yet. Hermoso scored again in the second half and substitute Alba Redondo also got a brace as Spain added gloss to the scoreline. The game was effectively killed off in the space of three first-half minutes with goals from Hikaru Naomoto and 19-year-old Aoba Fujino.The 40-year-old Christine Sinclair will become the first man or woman to score at six World Cups if she gets on the scoresheet.Thursday's action is headlined by a heavyweight clash between the United States and the Netherlands in Wellington.
The Netherlands are not quite the force they were, having lost Sarina Wiegman as coach and missing star striker Vivianne Miedema, who is recovering from a serious knee injury.
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