Japan national football team vs Spain national football team timeline

Japan vs Spain have a rich footballing history and have faced each other on numerous occasions over the years. Japan and Spain have had exciting matches, from World Cups to Olympics, with thrilling encounters on the pitch. The article revisits the memorable matches between Japan and Spain’s national football teams, taking a trip down memory lane.

2000 Sydney Olympics Quarterfinals: Spain 4-0 Japan

Japan vs Spain met in the quarterfinals of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with the Spaniards coming out on top in emphatic fashion. Spain beat Japan 4-0 with Xavi Hernandez’s brace and goals from Gabri and Salva Ballesta, and won silver after losing the final.

2002 FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Spain 0-1 Japan

Two years later, the two sides met again, this time at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. In a closely contested encounter, Japan emerged as winners, thanks to a first-half goal from Junichi Inamoto. Japan qualified for the first time in the knockout stages of the tournament after their victory against Spain.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Group Stage: Spain 1-0 Japan

Spain and Japan met again in the group stage of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. Spain dominated the match and won 1-0 against Japan with a second-half goal from David Silva of Manchester City. Despite the defeat, Japan went on to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament, where they lost to Brazil.

2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16: Spain 1-2 Japan

Japan and Spain’s women’s national teams met in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 in France. Japan scored first with a penalty from Nahomi Kawasumi, but Spain equalized early in the second half through Jennifer Hermoso. However, it was Japan who emerged victorious thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Mana Iwabuchi in the 70th minute.

Conclusion

The matches between the Japan and Spain national football teams have produced some unforgettable moments over the years. Spain’s Olympic thrashing of Japan to closely contested World Cup and Confederations Cup matches showed both nations can compete at the highest level. The future holds what’s next for the footballing giants Japan and Spain, and if they will meet again on the world stage.