Japan took the lead but went down 3-1 away to a dominant Spain in a women’s football international friendly on Friday, their third straight defeat in a month.
Nadeshiko Japan won the SheBelieves Cup with three straight victories in February as their Danish manager Nils Nielsen, the first foreigner to lead the side, got his tenure off to a strong start. But a draw with Colombia at home in April and two losses to Brazil since late May have stalled momentum.
Japan’s Mina Tanaka (R) scores during the first half of a women’s football international friendly match against Spain at Butarque Stadium in Leganes, Spain, on June 27, 2025. (Kyodo)
After absorbing early pressure at Butarque Stadium in Leganes, Mina Tanaka gave seventh-ranked Japan the lead on the half-hour mark against World No. 2 Spain when she struck on the turn with her left foot following a pass from the right by Maika Hamano.
Spain drew level in the 44th minute as Claudia Pina swept her shot through the legs of Japan captain Saki Kumagai, and the home side went ahead through Vicky Lopez in the 66th minute after Momoko Tanikawa lost possession just outside her own box.
Mariona Caldentey rattled the bar with a free-kick before Athenea del Castillo found the top left corner of the net to complete the scoring in the 88th minute.
Japan players (in white) react after conceding a third goal against Spain during the second half of a women’s football international friendly match at Butarque Stadium in Leganes, Spain, on June 27, 2025. (Kyodo)
Related coverage:
Football: Nadeshiko Japan suffer back-to-back defeats against Brazil
FOCUS: As women’s football grows in Europe, Japan aims to follow suit