Japan secured the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
French fans fell in love with the Young Nadeshiko, and vice versa
Saori Takarada and Moeka Minami spoke to FIFA.com about their France 2018 adventure

It is often said that fourth is the worst position in which to finish. After watching their own team, Les Bleuettes, end the tournament in fourth spot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the French public were in need of a pick-me-up, and it was another team in blue, Japan, who subsequently provided them with it, as they put in a sensational display on Friday to claim their first world crown at this level.
“I’m delighted that we were able to show what Japanese football is all about in France,” said the smiling captain of the newly crowned world champions, Moeka Minami, World Cup trophy and adidas Bronze Ball award in hand. “We’ve loved our time here. People have been so welcoming. If we can say that we’ve paid them back in some way by playing an attractive brand of football, then that’s even better.”
Although fans in Brittany had become accustomed to watching the Japanese excel since the beginning of the tournament, they were nevertheless impressed by the veritable masterclass put on against Spain at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, which involved overlapping runs, crossfield passing, short interplay, wonderful dribbling and fantastic goals.

Boasting the least porous defence (three goals conceded) and most potent attack (15 goals recorded), Japan claimed the majority of the glory at France 2018, with the exception of the adidas Golden Ball award, which went to the tournament’s joint-top goalscorer, Spain’s Patricia Guijarro, who was seen providing some of the Japanese players with her autograph at the end of the final!
Not only were the Young Nadeshiko respectful of their opponents, they have proven themselves to be highly respectful of the rules, a quality that saw them pick up the FIFA Fair Play award. “This award is just as important to us as the others we’ve earned,” said Saori Takarada, winner of the adidas Silver Ball and Bronze Boot accolades. “Our team won it at the last U-20 Women’s World Cup, and so we had to make sure that we did too.”
One thing is certain: no previous Japanese side had ever held aloft the U-20 Women’s World Cup. “This is the greatest day of my life,” said Minami. Takarada added: “I don’t really have the words to express what I’m feeling. I’m overwhelmed with joy.”
That joy was shared with the watching French fans, who were won over by Japan’s teamwork and exciting attacking play. And they may not have long to wait to see a selection of Futoshi Ikeda’s charges in action again, as some players are likely to return to France next summer with the senior team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
“Winning this tournament was a dream, and playing at the Women’s World Cup next year would be just as incredible,” admitted Takarada, leaving the final word to her captain. “I love France – I plan on coming back, but not just for a holiday!” Minami said with confidence.

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2018

Japan cruise to maiden world title

Japan defeated Spain 3-1 to win their first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup crown in Vannes on Friday evening. This result at France 2018 keeps the trophy in Asia after Korea DPR won the title two years ago in Papua New Guinea.
The first half at the Stade de la Rabine was dominated in possession and chances by the European U-19 champions, but with the Japanese finding the scoresheet first.
When called upon, Hannah Stambaugh has made important saves for the Young Nadeshiko at this tournament. She was on hand again to deny Patri Guijarro in the early stages before brilliantly denying Maite Oroz finding the top corner, then Eva Navarro before the break.
Despite being on the back foot for most of the half, Japan stunned La Rojita by taking the lead against the run of play on 38 minutes. Having shown a desire to shoot from distance, as she did in hitting the crossbar against England in the semi-finals, Hinata Miyazawa found the target this time with her right foot, leaving the outstretched Catalina Coll with little chance to make the save.
Taking the lead inspired the East Asians to push forward, and only a fine point-blank save from Coll denied the Japanese a second goal before the break through Jun Endo.
When the chances have come for Futoshi Ikeda’s side, they have been highly efficient in taking them in the knockout stages of France 2018, and with a bit of quality as well. On 57 minutes, Saori Takarada doubled Japan’s lead with an assured finish after being released in on the Spain goal by a neat Riko Ueki flicked pass, with her back to goal.
Having claimed control of the contest, the Japanese looked more confident with their play. That best summed up their third goal on 65 minutes. Takarada turned supplier for Fuka Nagano on the right of the Spain box. Her superb first-time shot flew over Coll and into the net.
There was a reply from Pedro Lopez’s side, however. Candela Andujar pulled a goal back on 71 minutes for Spain before Stambaugh tipped Claudia Pina’s shot on to the crossbar two minutes later.
That was as far as the Spanish comeback efforts would reach, as Japan added to last year’s Asian U-19 title with a maiden world crown in this age category.