BIG IN JAPAN It’s probably a stretch to call Japan the dark horses of this Women’s World Cup. For starters, they are not Belgium or Turkey, who are legally obliged to be mentioned in the Dark Horse Conversation, regardless of whether they have even qualified for the tournament (they have, on this occasion, not). Secondly, Japan – ranked 11th in the world – are way too good to be part of this particular debate. They won the ruddy thing in 2011 and were finalists in 2015, so describing them as some sort of underdog is a massive disservice. That said, 2011 is a long time ago. Cher Lloyd and JLS were battling it out at the top of the charts, Fidel Castro was still running Cuba and the general rule of thumb was: the skinnier the jeans, the better. Twelve years seems an even longer time in women’s football. The WSL had only just come into existence. Turbine Potsdam, Champions League finalists that year (and 2011 Bundesliga winners), have been relegated to the second tier. The prize money for the 2011 World Cup was equivalent to 2% of the men’s 2010 World Cup prize fund. The women’s game has come a long way. In the run up to this tournament, nobody really gave Japan much of a chance despite their glorious past. After failing to reach the quarters in 2019, the first goal here was to reach the last eight (at least according to Big Website’s resident expert, Mari Hibino). But in New Zealand thus far, their results have been sensational. Three games, three wins. Eleven goals scored, zero conceded. Japan have topped Group C and will face Norway in the round of 16. Monday’s victory over Spain was the most impressive of all: a 4-0 thumping, to leave their superstar opponents – including the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas – utterly stunned. Pace, precision, intelligence in attack and counterattack; sturdiness, organisation and determination in defence, Japan eviscerated the European side with strikes of the highest quality, including a solo effort from Mina Tanaka that might yet win goal of the tournament. What’s more, they did all this with just 23% possession – the lowest share of the ball for a winning side at any Women’s World Cup since 2011. Incidentally, the lowest share of possession at a men’s World Cup (since 1966) is … Japan, when they beat Spain 2-1 in 2022 with just 18% possession. But if that was a smash and grab, the women’s team’s performance was a sublime tactical triumph. “We knew we would have to defend for long periods,” admitted Japan’s head coach, Futoshi Ikeda. “We knew we had to take advantage of every opportunity we had. I think we were successful in this.” Yeah, Futoshi, that just about sums it up. The Spain coach, Jorge Vilda, went even further in stating the obvious. “To win matches you must not allow four goals to be scored against you,” he mused. Spain will still fancy their chances in the next round against Switzerland. Japan, meanwhile, may still not be the favourites for World Cup glory, but they are now Football Daily’s team of choice. Consider this bandwagon well and truly jumped upon. QUOTE OF THE DAY “Top football is tough nowadays – 60 games a year in club football, 10 international games. When you’re not living the right life, you get killed. What is important? Sleep, recovery, nutrition. Three key areas; when you don’t do this right, you have a problem. You can’t perform” – Erik ten Hag gets his fitness chat on with Jamie Jackson as the Manchester United manager talks Sancho, Maguire and more. OH LORD, BIG LEAGUE IS BACK Well, not quite – but our 20 Premier League previews have kicked off with the predictable opening double act of Arsenal and Aston Villa. Get stuck in! TODAY AT THE WORLD CUP Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia: While Japan were piling the hurt on Spain, Group C’s two eliminated sides met in Hamilton. Zambia led 2-0 at half-time but saw their opponents have a goal and penalty shout chalked off, before Racheal Kundananji secured a first-ever World Cup win for the Copper Queens. Australia 4-0 Canada: Pressure? What pressure? Needing to win in front of a nervous, expectant home crowd, the Matildas went ahead through Hayley Raso after nine minutes and never looked back. Victory secured top spot in Group B, while Canada become the first Olympic champions to go out this early. Republic of Ireland 0-0 Nigeria: Not a classic, in all honesty, but both teams got something out of it. The Super Falcons move on to the last 16, while Ireland secured their first Women’s World Cup point after impressing in a tough group. FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS “I’m afraid Lee Johnson has been ferreting around in the poor excuses cupboard again [Friday’s Football Daily]. To blame the altitude when Inter Club d’Escaldes play at a height of around 1,050m above sea level is pushing things somewhat. At sea level there is approx 20.9% oxygen in the air we breathe; at 1,050m that only drops to 18.1%. This would not come close to affecting performance. He did this sort of thing a lot at Bristol City” – Jeremy Humphries. “I would imagine that the concept behind Memory Lane [Football Daily’s full email] is to rekindle memories of past glory days that at least some of your readers can remember? I doubt I was the only one struggling to recall Friday’s offering: Great Britain beating Denmark 111 years ago. What’s next? Old Etonians v Blackburn Olympic in the 1883 FA Cup final?” – John Myles. “I have to disagree with you about time added on for celebrations. I want to watch actual football, not some preening idiot searching for a camera so they can give us an elaborate celebration. If doing so allows enough extra time for an equaliser off the ar$e of a centre-back, well, that’s karma” – Jon Millard. Send your letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s winner of our prizeless letter o’ the day is … Jeremy Humphries. MEMORY LANE Time to get all warm and fuzzy as we recall the unforgettable 1883 FA Cup final. As if you needed reminding, Blackburn Olympic won it 2-1 in extra time, with James Costley heading the winner at a packed Kennington Oval. And get more memorable Memory Lane entries when you sign up to the full Football Daily experience.