Women's World Cup: Spain thrash Switzerland to reach quarter-finals; Japan power through Norway

Spain and Japan became the first two sides to book their spots in the quarter-final of the Women's World Cup on Saturday.

For Spain, a 5-1 thrashing of Switzerland was a fitting way to seal a first-ever appearance in the final eight, while 2011 champions Japan continued their excellent summer with a composed 3-1 triumph over Norway.

Here's a look back at how Saturday's action unfolded.

Switzerland 1-5 Spain

Switzerland were no match whatsoever for a Spain side on the hunt for their first World Cup triumph.

Knowing they needed to respond to their surprise drubbing at the hands of Japan in their final group game, Spain came out with real electricity and took the lead after just five minutes when Aitana Bonmati swept home.

The Swiss threatened to make a game of things when they were invited back into proceedings shortly after in comedic fashion. Laia Codina thumped home an own goal from narrowly inside her own half, failing to check her goalkeeper's position before launching a pass which ended in the back of the Spain net.

Thankfully for Codina, the minor lapse in concentration meant little as Spain were soon back ahead. A header from Alba Redondo restored their lead and Bonmati bagged a second 36 minutes in to effectively end the contest there and then.

Before the half-time whistle sounded, there was still time for a fourth from Spain, with Codina finding the right net this time to atone for her earlier error.

Jennifer Hermoso capped off the action midway through the second half, bagging her third goal of the summer to steer Spain through to the last eight, where they will meet either the Netherlands or South Africa.

Japan 3-1 Norway

Saturday was an eventful day for Barcelona's representatives at the World Cup, with Ingrid Engen joining Codina in the own-goal fun.

Just 15 minutes into Norway's meeting with Japan, Engen failed to deal with a cross from Hinata Miyazawa and inadvertedly turned the ball into her own net, giving the Asian side a lead which they definitely did not need handing to them.

Guro Reiten did head Norway level just a few minutes later and the Scandinavian side were right in the game until early in the second half, when Japan's ruthless side surfaced once again.

A huge deflection gifted Risa Shimizu with a go-ahead goal, before Miyazawa got herself on the score sheet with a composed finish to seal Japan's place in the next round.

As the clock ticked on, Japan looked to be strolling towards victory but hearts were in mouths in the dying embers as Karina Saevik sent a header crashing towards goal, but Ayaka Yamashita produced one of the saves of the tournament to keep her out.

Next up for Japan is a meeting with either the United States or Sweden in the quarter-finals.

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