Mina Tanaka Scores Twice as Japan Dominates Matildas in Convincing Victory

Mina Tanaka (30) netted a brace as Japan comprehensively defeated Australia 4-0 in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup in Houston on Thursday night, marking an impressive debut for new coach Nils Nielsen.

Japan asserted their dominance from the very beginning, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Fuka Nagano’s low strike was redirected into the bottom corner by Tanaka.

Tanaka extended the lead in the 32nd minute, converting a cross from the left by Hikaru Kitagawa as the Australian defence hesitated, allowing the Japan striker to sneak in and find the net.

The third goal exemplified Japan’s intricate, short-passing game, culminating in Tanaka sliding the ball across to Maika Hamano, who finished decisively.

Australia struggled to make an impact at Shell Energy Stadium, with interim head coach Tom Sermanni’s side failing to match their opponents in any department.

Tanaka came close to securing her hat-trick but sent her effort over from a promising position, yet Japan soon found their fourth goal when Kitagawa delivered a cross from a short corner that Moeka Minami glanced in with a header.

Australia’s closest chance materialised in the 87th minute, when substitute Charlotte Grant struck the crossbar.