WWC round-up: Spain thump Switzerland as Japan beat Norway to reach quarter-final

Spain’s La Roja have qualified for the Women’s World Cup quarter-final for the first time ever. 

The Spaniards thrashed Switzerland 5-1 on Saturday to reach the last eight of the tournament holding in Australia and New Zealand.

Spain bounced back from their humiliating 4-0 loss to Japan in their final group game last Monday.

Switzerland went ahead in the 11th minute from an own goal by Laia Codina. But La Roja clawed back and perpetuated an onslaught.

Aitana Bonmati’s brace was punctuated by Alba Redondo’s third goal of the competition before Codina redeemed herself while Jenny Hermoso wrapped up the convincing victory for Spain.

Spain will play the winners of the second-round clash between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final.

In the other game of the day, Japan defeated Norway 3-1 to progress to the last eight.

Ingrid Engen’s own goal opened the scoring for Japan before Guro Reiten equalised for the Norwegians.

Risa Shimizu restored the Japanese lead with a deflected strike before Hinata Miyazawa sealed the contest with her fifth goal of the competition.

Miyazawa is the leading goal scorer of the World Cup, followed by Alexander Popp with four goals.

Japan will face the winners of the second-round clash between the US and Sweden in the quarter-final.