Japan had won their opening two matches of the tournament in Spain, but their unbeaten run was convincingly ended at the Futbol Salou Field 8.

Eloise Northam, Georgia Beikoff and Lainee Harrison struck in the first half to give Australia a convincing 3-0 advantage at the break.

Harrison scored her second of the match in the second period to seal a 4-0 victory.

Australia moved joint top of the standings on six points following back-to-back wins, a tally matched by Japan, who have played a game more.

Australia share top spot with the United States, who have scored 30 goals in their first two fixtures.

The US were 16-0 winners over hosts Spain yesterday and continued their free-scoring start against the Netherlands.

Catherine Renick scored six goals as part of a 14-0 victory.

Catarina Guimaraes, who scored six goals yesterday, also completed a hat-trick in the match.

The group stage is set to continue tomorrow with Australia facing Spain, before Japan take on the United States in a potentially key match.

The top two at the end of the group stage will advance to the final, with the bronze medal match featuring the third and fourth placed teams.

Classification matches will take place in the men’s tournament tomorrow.

The medal matches are scheduled to be held on Sunday (May 15), with Iran and Ukraine contesting the final.