Spain Have No Room for Error Against Japan

Spain’s World Cup campaign reaches a decisive point against Japan in Berlin on Monday. After Germany beat Japan, every team in Group A has one win, leaving Miguel Méndez’s side with possibilities ranging from first place to an early exit.

Spain can top the group if it beats Japan and Germany defeats Mali. That position would spare the team the dangerous play-in round and allow it to rest on Tuesday and Wednesday before the quarterfinals scheduled for Sept. 10.

A Spanish win paired with a Mali victory over Germany would instead send Spain through as the runner-up. The team would then face the third-place side from Group B in the play-in on Sept. 8. If Spain fail to beat Japan, they would need Mali to defeat Germany to qualify third.

Japan are seeking their first quarterfinal appearance in 47 years. Their attack is led by point guard Mai Yamamoto, a WNBA star whom the article describes as Japan’s biggest offensive threat and a player who remains composed in decisive moments. Spain must also contain Kokoro Tanaka, drafted this year by the Golden State Valkyries, and Stephanie Mawuli, a familiar figure to Spanish fans after years in the Liga Femenina Endesa.

Japan finished as Olympic runners-up at the Tokyo 2021 Games and won silver at the most recent Asian Cup. Spain opened the tournament by beating Germany by 30 points but then lost to Mali. Ranked third by FIBA and regarded as a medal contender before the tournament, Spain would suffer a historic setback if it lost to Japan while Mali also fell to Germany.