The Japanese female under-20 team have emerged winners of the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup, in France, beating Spain 3-1 in the final match played Friday.
The champions overpowered Spain in the highly entertaining match for the capacity full fans and spectators at the Stade de la Rabine, Vannes .
The Spanish team held possession of the ball early in the first half but lost possession to their persistent opponent who took the lead eventually.
[penci_blockquote style=”style-2″ align=”none” author=””]The Japanese held onto a great play, although the boisterous spectators were optimistic that the Spanish side would come out smoking into the second half.[/penci_blockquote]
Hinata Miyazawa took the Japanese team off to a historic start in the 38 minute, displacing defenders and coasting into goal with a beautiful finish.
The Japanese held onto a great play, although the boisterous spectators were optimistic that the Spanish side would come out smoking into the second half.
Saori Takarada advanced in the 57th minute to deliver her fifth goal in six matches via a long shot that left goalkeeper Catalina Coll helpless.
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Japan play maker Fuka Nagano, who won the golden ball award at the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan, scored the third goal eight minutes later.
FC Barcelona forward Candela Andujar’s 71st minute consolation goal was not enough to salvage the situation for the Spaniards as the Asians even created more goal chances up to the final blast of whistle.
Meanwhile, England defeated France via penalties after a 1-1 at regulation time to clinch the bronze medal.
At the medal ceremony, the Golden gloves was presented to Sandy Maciver of England while Spain’s Patricia Guijarro won the golden boot with six goals in the tournament.
Guijarro also won the golden ball award of the tournament, and the fair play award went to Japan.
Japan has now won all titles in the FIFA Women’s event.