Japan's women's national soccer team showcased their prowess at the SheBelieves Cup, decisively defeating Colombia with a score of 4-1 on February 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona. This victory not only marked Japan's second consecutive win in the tournament but also highlighted their dominant form following their impressive 4-0 rout of Australia just days earlier.
The match began with immediate impact as Japan took the lead remarkably early, with Momoko Tanikawa scoring just 18 seconds after kickoff. Tanikawa's long-range shot flew past the Colombian goalkeeper, signaling Japan's intent to control the pace of the game from the outset. This quick goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, establishing Japan's tactical superiority.
Mina Tanaka shone brightly throughout the match, scoring two goals, including one from the penalty spot. Her performance was instrumental, showcasing her technical skill and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Tanaka stated post-match, "After our goals, we were able to take control... the mistakes did not affect our game and the attitude of the players was good."
Colombia, coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to the United States, hoped to turn their fortunes around with this match. While they displayed moments of potential, particularly with Linda Caicedo's brilliant goal which provided them their only score, they struggled to maintain possession and effectively counter Japan's relentless press. Caicedo scored after receiving an excellent through ball from Leicy Santos, allowing her to find the net with precision.
Despite Caicedo's efforts, Colombia found it challenging to penetrate the well-organized Japanese defense. The team seemed to lack cohesion and rhythm, which was evident throughout the match. Their inability to connect passes under pressure from Japan contributed significantly to their struggles.
Japan continued to dominate possession and position, earning another goal from Tanaka just before the stroke of halftime. Their well-structured team play and speed on the ball overwhelmed the Colombian side, denying them the chance to mount any significant challenges.
Early in the second half, Japan extended their lead to 4-1 after Tanaka was taken down inside the box, leading to her successful conversion of the penalty kick. Japan's coach emphasized the focus on maintaining poise under pressure and executing their game plan effectively, stating, "We focused on correcting the small mistakes from our previous matches, and it paid off today."
Colombia's coach, Angelo Marsiglia, acknowledged the need for improvement after this decisive defeat, emphasizing the importance of learning from each match. He remarked, "We must be more effective... but I think we have one more 90-minute match to keep evaluating and correcting our plays." He also noted the power and technical skill of the Japanese team, stating they are very organized, which posed significant problems for Colombia.
Turning to the statistics, Japan outshot Colombia significantly and maintained superior ball control throughout the match. This clear dominance was matched by strong defensive efforts, limiting Colombia's opportunities and thwarting their offensive endeavors.
Looking forward, Japan solidified their position as one of the frontrunners for the SheBelieves Cup title, potentially setting the stage for a key matchup against the defending champions, the United States. With their current momentum, Japan appears to be on course for another strong showing.
On the other hand, Colombia will need to regroup quickly and address the tactical deficiencies observed during the match. Their upcoming games will be pivotal as they attempt to secure their standing within the tournament and improve upon their current performance level.
This match against Japan not only emphasized Japan's status as favorites but also served as a wake-up call for Colombia, who now face the challenge of rebuilding their strategy and approach as the tournament progresses.