Japan v Spain: Women’s World Cup 2023 – live

One game at a time. It’s the mantra of sportsfolk across the world, and it’s a big, fat, partial lie. At a World Cup, imagining how the draw might pan out is an irresistible activity. Japan and Spain, who have already qualified for the last 16, know the result of today’s game in Wellington will open up different routes to a possible final.

Trouble is, they don’t know which one is preferable. If the USA win their group, the team that finishes second in this group will be of course meet them in the quarter-finals. But for once, that’s a valid ‘if’: the Netherlands, who drew with the US, could leapfrog them on goal difference if they hammer Vietnam in their final game. In other words, it could be beneficial for Japan or Spain to lose today’s game. Confused? Splendid. Now all I need are the last three digits on the back of card.

Let’s deal in facts, and what is definitely going to happen in the last 16. The winner of Group C will play Norway here on Friday; the runner-up will meet Switzerland in Auckland earlier that day. Japan and Spain are already through, having taken care of Costa Rica and Zambia without conceding a goal. Spain scored eight goals to Japan’s seven, which means a draw today is enough for them to top the group. Whether that’s a good thing or not, who knows.

Kick off is 5pm AEST, 8am BST. We’ll have the team news shortly.