Nadeshiko Japan players and coaching staff made final preparations Sunday on the eve of their showdown with Spain to decide the Women's World Cup Group C winners.
World No. 11 Japan and No. 6 Spain have already booked their tickets to the round of 16 with two wins from two, but the match at Wellington Regional Stadium will determine each team's path through the knockout stage.
Trailing Spain on goal difference, Japan must beat Jorge Vilda's side Monday to finish on top of the group and face Norway, the second-place team from Group A, in the last 16. If Japan draw or lose, they will meet Group A winners Switzerland.
Japan captain Saki Kumagai and teammates practiced passing during a training session briefly open to the media at the match venue on Sunday.
Manager Futoshi Ikeda said he expected a tough battle against a Spanish team who, like Japan, easily brushed aside Group C opponents Zambia and Costa Rica.
"They have high-quality players. It will be a difficult match," Ikeda said.
Defender Moeka Minami, who plays club football for Roma in the Italian women's top flight, said fans could expect an entertaining contest.
"Anytime we play Spain, it feels like a final," Minami said. "I think it will be an interesting match."
Co-hosts New Zealand fell short of the knockout stage after their scoreless draw Sunday against Switzerland saw them finish third in Group A.
Related coverage:
Football: Japan beat Costa Rica 2-0, reach Women's World Cup last 16
Football: Japan cruise past Zambia 5-0 to begin Women's World Cup
