Soccer fans gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for the third match of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where Japan delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Colombia. From an explosive opening-minute goal to a composed second-half finish, the match showcased both teams’ skill and determination. However, Japan’s efficiency in front of goal and overall control of possession ultimately sealed the result.

First-Half Fireworks

The action kicked off in dramatic fashion when Momoko Tanikawa found the back of the net barely a minute into the match, stunning Colombia’s defense. Just seven minutes later, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage with a clinical finish. Colombia fought to regroup, committing to high-intensity challenges throughout the half (ultimately registering 16 fouls for the match).

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Linda Caicedo injected new life for Colombia with a goal at the 49th minute (45’+4’ on the clock), cutting Japan’s lead in half.

Second-Half Dominance

Despite Colombia’s hopes for a comeback, Japan maintained its momentum after the break. At the 57th minute, Maika Hamano made her impact felt with a well-taken goal to restore the two-goal cushion. As Colombia tried to press higher up the field, they struggled to turn their limited possession (39.5%) into significant scoring opportunities.

In the 80th minute, Japan sealed the victory when Mina Tanaka converted a penalty, earning her second goal of the match. Late substitutions on both sides injected fresh legs but did little to change the outcome.

Match Stats Spotlight

  • Score: Japan 4, Colombia 1
  • Possession: Japan 60.5%, Colombia 39.5%
  • Shots on Goal: Japan 7, Colombia 2
  • Total Shot Attempts: Japan 13, Colombia 5
  • Fouls: Colombia 16, Japan 8
  • Yellow Cards: Colombia 1 (Luisa Agudelo, 78’), Japan 0
  • Corner Kicks: Colombia 3, Japan 4

Japan’s ability to convert early chances and maintain composure under pressure proved decisive, while Colombia’s physical play underscored their determination, albeit at the cost of multiple fouls.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Japan stays on track in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, showcasing the depth and precision that have made them a formidable presence in international women’s soccer. Meanwhile, Colombia will look to adjust its strategy and discipline as the tournament progresses, seeking to turn promising bursts of play into consistent results.

Expect more fireworks as the competition continues, with each team fighting to prove they belong on the winner’s podium. The SheBelieves Cup remains a thrilling test of skill, tactics, and endurance for these top-level squads.

#SheBelievesCup #JapanVsColombia #WomensSoccer #SoccerHighlights #GlendaleAZ #MinaTanaka #LindaCaicedo #MaikaHamano #SoccerBlog #Soccer