Women's World Cup 2023: Spain and Japan bring the style to reach quarter-finals

Spain and Japan became the first two teams to book their places in the 2023 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals with comprehensive victories.

Japan knocked out fellow former champions Norway in a clinical 3-1 win while Spain pulled apart Switzerland to advance in a 5-1 triumph.

In arguably the most straightforward day of World Cup action so far, there was still plenty that caught the eye.

Away kits are the real winners

The first thing to attract attention in were the kits worn by Spain and Japan, who donned their away strips for the first time.

Both sported pastel Adidas numbers that generated a positive response from football fans around the world.

Adidas have placed a focus on spotlighting the environment with their kits, with Spain’s design representing coral reefs, while Japan’s depicts the sunset behind Mount Fuji.

Spain and Japan may well be rushing to wear them again with them both delivering impressive performances in their away kits.

From zero to hero

As first international appearances go, Laia Codina had a rollercoaster of a game.

Minutes after Spain had taken an early lead through Aitana Bonmati, the 23-year-old defender sent a pass back to the keeper without looking.

Cata Coll could do nothing as the ball dribbled past her into her own net to gift Switzerland an equaliser.

Fast forward 34 minutes and Codina made amends as she scored Spain’s fourth on the stroke of half-time, poking home after a melée in the box.

Codina joins illustrious company as she followed in USA legend Brandi Chastain’s footsteps as one of four players to score an own goal and a goal in the same Women’s World Cup game.

Switzerland never fired

Codina’s own goal marked Switzerland’s third score of the World Cup, with only one goal coming from open play.

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