Calay News
Group C of the U-20 Women’s World Cup already had its qualifiers: Japan and Spain. Japan, the group leaders, will face Norway, while Spain will face Switzerland, both teams classified in Group A.
Group B, on the other hand, had everything to decide, and on the last day, Australia managed to qualify after a resounding 4-0 victory over Canada, led by Real Madrid striker Hayley Raso. Nigeria also advanced by drawing 0-0 with Ireland.
On Tuesday, the rivals of the round of 16 will be defined by the matches of Group D between China and England and Haiti and Denmark.
In another match in Group C, already eliminated, Zambia defeated Costa Rica 3-1, saying goodbye to the tournament with a single score and three losses.
The duel between Japan and Spain was exciting, with Japan dominating with their fast game and solid defense. Attacker Hinata Miyazawa opened the scoring for Japan, followed by Riko Ueki and a second Miyazawa goal before the break. Mina Tanaka sealed the score at 4-0 in the second half.
Spanish coach Jorge Vilda expressed his confidence that his team will show a “different attitude” in the next game against Switzerland. Spain tried to use their familiar game of ball possession but was met with an impenetrable Japanese defense and a quick and effective counter-attack.
Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda celebrated his team’s being goalless in the group stage and hopes to maintain that strength when they face Norway in the round of 16 on August 5.
