Mina Tanaka made a significant impact in Japan’s opening match of the SheBelieves Cup, leading her team to a commanding 4-0 victory over Australia on Thursday.

Tanaka netted two goals in the first half; her first came in the sixth minute with a precise right-footed strike from inside the right box. Later, she capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slipping a shot through goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s legs in the 33rd minute, putting Japan ahead 2-0.

In the second half, Tanaka continued to demonstrate her playmaking abilities by assisting Maika Hamano, who scored from just outside the goalkeeper’s box in the 53rd minute, extending the lead to 3-0. The final goal of the match came in the 75th minute when Moeka Minami scored with a well-placed header from just outside the right box, following a precise pass from Hiraku Kitagawa.

This match marked Japan’s first appearance under their new head coach, Nils Nielsen, and they are currently ranked eighth in the latest FIFA rankings.

Looking ahead, Japan will face Colombia on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, followed by a game against the United States on February 26 in San Diego. Meanwhile, Australia will also be up against the U.S. on Sunday in Glendale before concluding their tournament with a match against Colombia on February 26 in San Diego.