Japan beat China in AFC U16 Women's Championship at Chonburi in Thailand on Friday and claim spot in FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. -AA
Japan maintained their record of qualifying for every FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, beating China PR by a Momo Nakao goal to secure third place at the AFC U16 Women's Championship at Chonburi in Thailand on Friday, reports AFC online.
Seen by a Finals record crowd of 1,677, Nakao's powerful second half strike made all the difference against a committed China PR, and came after Japan had missed a penalty just before half-time. The result means Naoki Kusunose's side will return to a competition where they have reached three finals - becoming FIFA U-17 world champions in 2014. Japan made three changes to the team who lost on penalties to the Korea Republic, including four-goal substitute Tomoko Tanaka, who was reinstated to Naoki Kusunose's starting 11 for the first time since claiming Player of the Match honors against Bangla-desh in the group stage.
China PR - who had an unchanged line-up - showed a much greater attacking verve than against DPR Korea in the semi-final, with the pace of Tang Han causing problems for the Japanese defense, but clear cut chances were not forthcoming. Japan's Haruka Osawa carved out an opening for herself at the half-hour mark, but her shot flew straight at goalkeeper He Peibin after a jinking run that had left the Chinese defense scrambling.
Chinese custodian He produced a super save six minutes later to deny Tanaka's low drive after Japan had cut through the defense with a lovely passing move, but Kusunose's side would have an even better chance in first half injury time.
Goalless at halftime, the game burst into life in the 55th minute when Osawa and Tanaka combined beautifully down the right before Tanaka's blocked shot fell into the path of Momo Nakao, who thumped a crackling 20-metre drive beyond He to give Japan a precious 1-0 lead.
Nakao produced another super strike in the 77th minute, with the goalkeeper this time proving equal to the task, before Chise Takizawa went close a minute later as Japan searched for a clincher. China PR piled on the pressure with a series on corner kicks in the game's latter stages, but- having lost only on penalties in Thailand - Japan claimed a deserved ticket to Uruguay 2018.
-AA Sports Desk
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