The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup started in Papua New Guinea on Sunday 13 November, and Japan in Group B met Nigeria in their first game.

Japan started the game at 19:00 when the heat became milder after sunset. At the beginning of the match, UENO Mami’s shot hit the crossbar, followed by many more attempts from Japan. Japan took the initiative against Nigeria, who had yet to show their capabilities. However, Japan struggled to find the back of the net against Nigeria’s tenacious defence in front of the goal. In the 34th minute, Japan struck the long-awaited opener. MOMIKI Yuka reacted to a cross from HASEGAWA Yui on the left and dived to head home. Three minutes later, NORIMATSU Ruka ran up to pass the ball back to the centre, and UENO struck a goal, avoiding the opponent’s defender to find her positioning. The game went into the second half at 2-0.

In the second half, Japan attacked even more strongly. After 51 minutes, MOMIKI knocked the ball into the right-hand corner from a free kick to score, stretching a three-goal lead for Japan. MOMIKI’s pass in front of the goal led to the opponent scoring an own goal in the 56th minute, and then UENO, who received a superb through ball from SUGITA Hina, scored her second goal.

After 82 minutes, UENO again fired a long-distance shot, scoring a hat trick. Since Japan managed to build a sufficient lead, HAYASHI Honoka, SHIOKOSHI Yuzuho, and KAWANO Juri were sent onto the pitch, so that the team can try out new combinations. Prior to the game, the coach TAKAKURA Asako told the players to ‘display everything they have got to win the match’. The spirit was shown by the players with six goals. In terms of the defence, both NORIMATSU and ICHISE Nana led the team to keep a clean sheet, staying physically strong. Japan won their first game 6-0.

Match details

After a two-days break, Japan will play the next match against Spain, who, by beating Canada 5-0, succeeded in building momentum.

Coach's and Players' Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach
Although I expected a tough game against Nigeria, the players stayed focused and got a positive result. I believe the players displayed their playing style. However, the accuracy in detail could be improved. Spain, our next opponent, are getting stronger in Europe, which I was convinced by watching their match today. So it’ll be a good game. We’d like to generally continue our playing style – Japanese football to challenge Spain.

FW ＃10  MOMIKI Yuka (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
We scored six goals as a team, rather than individually. Since we were told to play our hardest today, which we did, I think we could manage six goals. I learned about African players’ fantastic physical abilities by actually playing against Nigeria. Although we could win the game today, I don’t think we were stronger near the ball. I’d like to improve even more. Since our next opponent, Spain, play similarly to Japan, the level of each team’s play will decide the game. Spain also won their first match. So I’d like to prepare well, so that we can halt their positive momentum.

FW ＃18  UENO Mami (EhimeFCLadies)
We shared a vision to stay focused and win our first game. We were determined to strike goals, while keeping a clean sheet, not to mention having stronger spirit than the opponent. In terms of the first goal, when NORIMATSU cut into the centre, I found some free space. So all I needed was just to kick the ball. Despite the fact I scored a hat trick, I wasn’t competitive enough near the ball and I could have played facing forwards more. I’d like to continue facing forwards to go close to the goal, and stay running throughout a 90-minute game, which I’d like to work hard on. If I have an opportunity in the next game against Spain, I’d really like to score, while coordinating from up front with the defenders.

DF ＃5  NORIMATSU Ruka (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Despite our victory, we found numerous areas that need to be improved in the match. Above all, it was really difficult to communicate with each other clearly and coordinate to change markers. We need to find other ways, including eye contact and body language, to communicate well in our practice session, so that we’ll stay competitive in matches. Although we expected superb physical strength from the Nigerian players, I believe that we were competitive, because we had been training ourselves through the camps. I’d like to continue our practice to stay strong.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.