Key events
The two teams are out and about warming up.
Group C standings
Japan sit in number one spot in the Group C table after the first game with three points. Spain are in second also on three points but behind on goals. Costa Rica are third and Zambia are at the bottom.
It looks like there are more Japanese fans at the moment, but there’s a couple of Costa Rican supporters around too!
Costa Rica 0-3 Spain match report
As Sid Lowe writes in his report from the opening Group C game last Friday – the match could be neatly summarised by the fact the Costa Rican goalkeeper got cramp.
Spain were so prolific with their shots that Daniela Solera’s touches were on par with those of her outfield teammates.
The world No 6 team completely dismantled their 36th-ranked opponents, despite Solera’s incredible effort in goal.
Costa Rica had just 19% of possession and one shot fo the entire game.
The minute-by-minute detail is here if you feel the need.
The Japan team have sussed out the pitch in Dunedin, as fans start to head into the stadium.
Japan 5-0 Zambia match report
The former champions Japan got off to a flying start against debutants Zambia on Saturday in New Zealand.
Hinata Miyazawa scored twice and forward Mina Tanaka found the net in the second half, after having two earlier efforts called back for offside.
The game was not without drama: multiple VAR decisions interrupted play, and the Zambian goalkeeper Catherine Munsonda was sent off in 90 + 7th minute for taking out a breaking Japanese forward.
Zambia’s substitute goalkeeper Eunice Sakala then miraculously saved the penalty only for it to be ruled she moved over her line too soon. The retaken penalty was converted.
If you want to check back on any of the detail from that game take a look at Sarah Rendell’s minute-by-minute blog.
Preamble
Jo Khan
Hello there! It is day seven of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and my goodness is the time flying. We’ve only been waiting for four years, and then it just flashes by so fast.
There are three games on the schedule today, the first being the subject of this live blog: Japan v Costa Rica in Dunedin, New Zealand. Stay with me, Jo Khan, for team info and minute-by-minute action, kick-off is 5pm local time/3pm AEST/2pm JST/11pm CST/6am BST. Sorry if I didn’t include your time zone, please don’t take it personally.
Spain and Zambia play later in Auckland, and then Group B’s Canada and Ireland face off in Perth.
You can get in touch with me via email or tweet @_jokhan. Let me know where you are watching/following from today.
