Mina Tanaka scored two first-half goals and set up the third goal as Japan defeated Australia 4-0 in the opening game of the SheBelieves Cup women’s football tournament Thursday.

The team, nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan, won its first match under new Danish head coach Nils Nielsen at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Tanaka scored in the sixth and 32nd minutes before providing an assist for Maika Hamano’s 52nd-minute goal.

Moeka Minami completed the scoring 22 minutes later against 2023 Women’s World Cup semifinalists Australia.

“It is very good when you are trying something new,” Nielsen said. “It boosts the confidence when it actually works, so that’s probably the best part.”

Japan women’s football head coach Nils Nielsen (back, L) looks on during his team’s SheBelieves Cup women’s football match against Australia on Feb. 20, 2025, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Kyodo)

“But I also liked to see the attitude of the players on the pitch. They really wanted to show some things.”

Japan next play Colombia on Sunday and then the United States on Wednesday in the four-team, round-robin tournament.

Maika Hamano (17) reacts after scoring Japan’s third goal against Australia during the second half of their SheBelieves Cup women’s football match on Feb. 20, 2025, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Kyodo)

Related coverage:

Football: Hiroshima win 2nd straight women’s Cup title in Japan

Football: Iniesta sets up El Clasico in Tokyo winner to leave on high

Football: Seike AFC Women’s Player of the Year, Oiwa wins coach award