Japan thump USA, Nigeria progress unbeaten

The reigning champions emboldened their favouritism for the trophy as the joint-record three-time winners crashed out on a goal-laden conclusion to the group stage.

Japan, indeed, outplayed USA in a 3-1 victory that stormed them through to the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup™ quarterfinals. The Netherlands seized Group D’s second ticket thanks to an emphatic 4-1 defeat of Ghana.

Over in Group C, France edged an end-to-end showdown with Korea Republic to go through alongside Nigeria, who advance with a 100-per-cent record.

Memorable moments

Unstoppable

If Manaka Matsukubo’s opener was superb, Shinomi Koyama’s cushion-doubler was sensational. The Japan left-back employed a sublime, surprise touch to slide past her marker before burying a thunderbolt in the side-netting. No goalkeeper would have stopped it. Can any team stop the Young Nadeshiko lifting the trophy?

From deputy to heroine

Marie-Morgane Sieber only discovered she would be playing at the 11th hour, when Marie Petiteau was ruled out. The Rodez goalkeeper responded with by making a series of saves, the pick of which was a point-blank effort from Ko Dayeong just before the break.

Esther chases down Inma

Inma Gabarro began the day as the overwhelming favourite to finish as leading markswoman. She ended it with Esther Onyenezide, who bagged a brace against Canada, breathing down her neck. Asisat Oshoala and Patricia Guijarro won the adidas Golden Boot in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Will the award end up with a Nigerian or a Spaniard for a second time?

Stats

14 - Fourteen goals were scored on Wednesday – the most on a day at Costa Rica 2022. The thirteen netted on Matchday 5 had been the most.

10 - Korea Republic had 10 corners against France – more than a team has had in a game at Costa Rica 2022 – but were unable to make something of any of them. Ironically, Les Bleuettes did, clearing a Taegeuk Ladies corner, counter-attacking and netting the only goal.

7 - Japan made it seven successive victories in the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup. Only two teams in the competition’s history have put together longer winning runs: USA (10 between 2002 and ’04) and Germany (12 between 2008 and ’12).

Quotes

“We are overjoyed to have progressed. We were aware that we were in a very tough group. Japan and the USA are among the best teams in the world. But we believed in ourselves and gave our best. We were a bit nervous at the start today and I'm glad I was able to help the team with my goal.” Liz Rijsbergen, Netherlands forward

“Winning the title is our main objective. We prepare for our opponents in our style, the Japanese style. It doesn’t matter who we face.” Ibuki Nagae, Japan defender

“Playing in a tournament like this was definitely a dream for me. I was proud to have this opportunity. I would love to represent my country in many more World Cups.” Olivia Moultrie, USA midfielder