AUCKLAND/SYDNEY: Spain and Japan became the first teams to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after decisive victories over Switzerland and Norway respectively.

Controversial coach Jorge Vilda’s Spain reached the last eight for the first time as they recovered form and firepower after crashing 4-0 to the Japanese in their concluding group stage match. The crowd in Wellington was a record for a soccer match in New Zealand at 43,217 in Auckland.

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati put Spain ahead after only four minutes then let Switzerland back into the game with a sloppy long-range own goal from Laia Codina. Spain regained both their composure and the lead through a header from Alba Redondo.

Further goals from Bonmati and Codina lifted them to a 4-1 halftime lead.

Jennifer Hermoso scored a Spanish fifth, and her third of the finals, in the 70th minute to secure a quarter-final duel against Netherlands or South Africa on Friday back in Wellington.

Japan maintained the spirit and style of their group defeat of Spain by defeating fellow former world champions Norway 3-1.

An own goal from Norway defender Ingrid Engen provided Japan with a 15th-mnute lead. Guro Reiten headed an equaliser five minutes later but Japan pulled away for a well-deserved win with secondhalf goals from Risa Shimizu and Hinata Miyazawa. Norway called on barely-fit Ada Hegerberg for the last 15 minutes but in vain.

Miyazawa’s goal was her fifth in the finals in which she is current top scorer. She and her team-mates will play champions United States or Sweden in the quarter-finals.

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