Former champions Japan delivered a dominant performance to thrash India 11-0 in their second Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Perth on Saturday.
Japan, currently among the top-ranked teams in world football, controlled the match from the very beginning and kept India pinned in their own half for most of the contest. The huge difference in pace, passing and attacking quality was evident as the Japanese side created chances almost at will.
Japan Score At Will
Yuzuki Yamamoto opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute with a curling strike. Captain Yui Hasegawa doubled the lead in the 13th minute before Hinata Miyazawa made it 3-0 in the 20th minute. Miyazawa later completed a hat-trick, scoring again in the 35th and 81st minutes. Kiko Seike netted twice, including one from the penalty spot just before half-time.
Substitute Riko Ueki also scored a hat-trick in the second half, while Maya Hijikata added another goal as Japan continued to dominate proceedings. Despite the heavy scoreline, Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu produced several saves to prevent further damage as Japan repeatedly tested the Indian defence.
India At Bottom Of Group
Following the defeat, India remain at the bottom of Group C with zero points and a heavy negative goal difference. The team had earlier lost 2-1 to Vietnam in their opening match of the tournament. However, qualification hopes are not entirely over. A strong result against Chinese Taipei in the final group-stage match could still give India a chance to advance, though the challenge will be significant.
Changes In Line-Up
India head coach Amelia Valverde made three changes to the starting XI, bringing in Juli Kishan along with debutants Aveka Singh and Sarita Yumnam. Japan, despite making several changes to their side from the previous match against Chinese Taipei, maintained their dominance thanks to their speed, technical ability and attacking depth.
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