Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, went into the match at the Wellington Regional Stadium favoured to win but were blown away in blustery conditions by a tactically disciplined Japan who sealed top spot and a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on Saturday.
While Ikeda went to great lengths to praise his players, it was obvious that victory was due to his well-laid plans with Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati reduced to being mere passengers with Spain not creating a single chance.
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】Nadeshiko Japan clinch knockout stage as leaders of Group C with win over Spain - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™](https://image.eaff.com/index/7116.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [GUAM FA] Marianas Cup glory on the line in 2023 edition of tournament in Saipan](https://image.eaff.com/index/7115.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] We let ourselves down, says Korea Republic's Bell](https://image.eaff.com/index/7114.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Taegeuk Ladies stunned by Morocco](https://image.eaff.com/index/7110.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] Shui: Half-time team talk inspired Steel Roses to victory](https://image.eaff.com/index/7109.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] Group D: Resilient China PR keep hopes alive](https://image.eaff.com/index/7108.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] Ikeda: Positive energy powering Japan](https://image.eaff.com/index/7107.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】Nadeshiko Japan clinch knockout stage with win over Costa Rica in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™](https://image.eaff.com/index/7106.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [GUAM FA] Guam to face Singapore in Round 1 of FIFA World Cup qualifiers](https://image.eaff.com/index/7105.jpg)