FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2018 Japan and Spain reach their first final

 

                 

20 Aug 2018

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• ​Japan and Spain reach a U-20 Women’s World Cup final for the first time
• Spain defeat the hosts France in thrilling semi-final
• England and France will battle it out for third place​

THE DAY REPLAYED - Japan and Spain will contest the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 after getting the better of England and France respectively in their semi-finals. Yet, these simple facts tell only part of the story on a day when fans were treated to two enthralling last-four encounters.
In the day’s first semi-final, Japan picked up where they left off after their impressive performance against Germany in the quarter-finals. The Young Nadeshiko barely gave England a chance to settle into the game and demonstrated exactly why Silvia Neid, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2016, picked them as her favourites to lift the trophy in France.
The second match of the day was an intense tussle between two European sides. While the French controlled large parts of the game and created significantly better goalscoring opportunities, Spain took their chance when it came to secure their place in the final.
Results
Semi-finals - Vannes
England 0-2 Japan
France 0-1 Spain

France 2018: Semi-finals

Fuka Nagano (front) of Japan and team mates prepare in the tunnel
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Fuka Nagano (front) of Japan and team mates prepare in the tunnel prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Players of England huddle prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of England huddle prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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 Riko Ueki of Japan is challenged by Megan Finnigan of England
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Riko Ueki of Japan is challenged by Megan Finnigan of England during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jun Endo of Japan celebrates her team's second goal with team mate Riko Ueki
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Jun Endo of Japan celebrates her team's second goal with team mate Riko Ueki during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jun Endo of Japan celebrates her team's second goal
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Jun Endo of Japan celebrates her team's second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Riko Ueki of Japan controles the ball
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Riko Ueki of Japan controles the ball during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Jun Endo of Japan celebrates scoring the second goal
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Jun Endo of Japan celebrates her team's second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates scoring the opening goal
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Riko Ueki of Japan is challenged by Megan Finnigan of England
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Riko Ueki of Japan is challenged by Megan Finnigan of England during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - England goalkeeper Sandy MacIver dives to make a save
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver of England makes a save during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Hana Takahashi and Moeka Minami celebrate after their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Hana Takahashi and Moeka Minami of Japan celebrate after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Honoka Hayashi, Nanami Kitamura and Mami Muraoka of Japan celebrate after their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Honoka Hayashi, Nanami Kitamura and Mami Muraoka of Japan celebrate after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Players of Japan dance after their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Japan dance after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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England v Japan - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Players of Japan pose for a team photo after their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Japan pose for a team photo after winning the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between England and Japan at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Players of France huddle prior to kick-off
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of France huddle prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - France pose for a team photo
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of France pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Players of Spain pose for a team photo
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Spain pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Candela Andujar of Spain is challenged by Elisa de Almeida of France
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Candela Andujar of Spain is challenged by Elisa de Almeida of France during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Patricia Guijarro attempts a free-kick
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Patricia Guijarro of Spain shoots a freekick during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Fans of France show their support for their team
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Fans of France support their team during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Emelyne Laurent of France reacts 
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Emelyne Laurent of France reacts during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Amelie Delabre of France is challenged by Patricia Guijarro of Spain
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Amelie Delabre of France is challenged by Patricia Guijarro of Spain during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Carmen Menayo of Spain jumps for the header with Carla Polito of France
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Carmen Menayo of Spain jumps for a header with Carla Polito of France during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Patricia Guijarro celebrates scoring the opening goal
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Patricia Guijarro of Spain celebrates her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Spain celebrate the opening goal
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Patricia Guijarro of Spain celebrates her team's first goal with team mates during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Aitana Bonmati of Spain is sent off
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Aitana Bonmati (R) of Spain is sent off during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Spain goalkeeper Catalina Coll saves Marie-Antoinette Katoto's penalty kick
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Goalkeeper Catalina Coll of Spain saves a penalty from Marie-Antoinette Katoto of France during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Spain celebrate their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Spain celebrate after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Spain celebrate their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Spain celebrate after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
France v Spain - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final - Spain celebrate their victory
20 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 20: Players of Spain celebrate after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 Semi Final semi final match between France and Spain at Stade de la Rabine on August 20, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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Memorable moments
Asia versus Europe...again...
This year’s final will be the third time that teams from Asia and Europe have battled for the trophy at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The Europeans emerged victorious when Germany faced China PR in 2004 before Korea DPR got the upper hand against France in Papua New Guinea in 2016. They say that all good things come in threes, and now Japan and Spain are dreaming of glory. On Friday evening, we will find out who has the best U-20 women’s side in the world...
When one streak ends, another begins
It was ultimately not meant to be for Georgia Stanway. After scoring in four successive matches, England’s No10 could not find the target in her side’s semi-final defeat to Japan. Meanwhile, her opponent Riko Ueki has started a run of her own. Despite failing to score in her first two games, the striker netted a hat-trick against Paraguay and got her name on the scoresheet against both Germany and England.
History repeats itself
Regardless of who lifts the trophy on Friday, Spain have already made history by reaching their first U-20 Women’s World Cup final – and if they win the match, they will go one further. While La Rojita have never won a Women’s World Cup at any level, three members of the current squad – Patri Guijarro, Carmen Menayo and Aitana Bonmati – have valuable experience of a World Cup final after reaching the tournament decider at the U-17 Women’s World Cup 2014 in Costa Rica. Their opponents that day were none other than Japan. Spain will head into the game with confidence, having already beaten their Asian rivals 1-0 during the group stage.
Seeing red for the first time
It took until the semi-finals of this tournament for a referee to reach for a red card. Aitana Bonmati was given her marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for a wayward challenge on Selma Bacha in the 69th minute of the second semi-final between France and Spain.

The words
"I came here to try and win this World Cup and to try and make history in Japanese women’s football."
Japan forward Riko Ueki

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Up next

Friday 24 August
Play-off for third place
France-England, Vannes, 16:00 (local time)
Final
Spain-Japan, Vannes, 19:30 (local time)