Hosts Japan concluded the 2012 FIFA U-20
Women’s World Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 victory
over Nigeria’s Falconets to claim the bronze
medal. Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and
Asuka Nishikawa saw Japan claim a deserved win
in front of a buoyant and colourful crowd at the
National Stadium in Tokyo.
The Nigerian side started well, with Desire
Oparanozie’s free-kick from the left flank evading
everyone early on, including goalkeeper Sakiko
Ikeda, only to ricochet off the far post and away to
safety. However, it was to be the closest the
Africans came to getting on the scoresheet in the
opening period.
Midway through the first half Japan opened the
scoring as Tanaka let fly from distance with the ball
proving too hot for Ibubeleye Whyte. The Nigerian
custodian was unable to prevent the ball entering
the goal, despite getting a hand on the effort. It was
Tanaka’s sixth of the competition. Despite Nigeria
having more possession in the opening period, it
was the home girls who had much of the momentum
as the half-time whistle blew.
Five minutes after the interval Japan doubled their
advantage as first-half substitute Hanae Shibata
sped past several defenders just outside the
penalty area, before teeing up Nishikawa with a
slick short pass with the finish equally sharp. Japan
missed an opportunity to seal the match just past
the hour mark, with the ball narrowly missing two
attackers and hitting the far post. Falconets then
collected a lifeline on 73 minutes, as Oparanozie’s
free-kick slipped through the hands of Ikeda and
over the line, although it should been a regulation
stop for the Japan keeper. They turned up the heat
on the Japan defence in the latter stages, but the
home side managed to hang on for third place; their
best ever showing at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World
Cup.
