Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Just as they stood as adversaries for continental glory in China one year ago, the stage was set for another enthralling encounter between two Asian giants, though this time on the world’s stage. As the final whistle drew a night of epic achievement for one Asian side to a close, despair inevitably besieged the other.
Given the painful defeat, it would have been understandable for Japan skipper Fuka Nagano to shy quietly away to reflect on the missed penalty in her nation's loss to eventual winners DPR Korea, but the 16-year-old instead showed great maturity well beyond her years that led her to stand out as the winner of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 Golden Ball award.
“We are disappointed that we didn’t win the title. We gave everything we had but in the end we lost to a good DPR Korea team”, said Nagano in an exclusive with the-AFC.com.
“I think we can be very proud of our achievements throughout the tournament. We played some amazing football, we grew stronger as a team and this has been an amazing experience for us. As a team, we are more resilient now and I am sure we will do better in future competitions.".
Her hopeful outlook best encapsulates Japan’s stellar showing at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016, and in every way, the team can look back at an outstanding campaign.
“We want to improve for the next competition. Be it the next AFC or FIFA competition, we want to do better and eventually win the title.”
Nagano can certainly take comfort from the experience of the last 22 days of the competition and the endless opportunities in the years ahead to step on the winner’s podium. Despite falling short on the night, she has emerged as one of the world’s most promising talents in the women’s game.
Photo: FIFA/Getty Images