November 22, 2024
Japan defeated Spain 1-0, to advance to the semi finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Hiromi Yoneda scored in extra time to pave the way for Japan’s quarter-final triumph over defending champions Spain.
The Asians got their revenge in a rematch of both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.
Hiromi Yoneda’s goal in the first period of extra time served as the lone goal, setting the 2018 winners up for a semi-final date with the Netherlands.
Both teams fought hard to break the deadlock but could not find the back of the net in regular time.
Japan came close when a Rio Sasaki’s free kick was saved by goalkeeper Eunate Astralaga. The Asians had another chance as Manaka Matsukubo, tried to stab one home, but sent it over the crossbar.
Spain also nearly scored midway through the second half on their first big chance. Lucia Corrales got forward and fired a shot inside the Japan area that smacked the inside of the post and bounced away.
Japan finally got the winner in the 102nd as a free-kick was headed in by Yoneda for the decisive goal.
The 2022 runners up will now face Netherlands in their fourth straight semi-final.
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