Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Tibas: Japan qualified for the quarterfinals in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a match to spare after pounding Paraguay 10-0 at the Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium in Costa Rica on Wednesday evening.
Japan became the first team to reach the quarters from Group C which they now top having defeated Spain 2-0 in their campaign opener on 16 March.
Seven Japanese players got on the scoresheet with skipper Hina Sugita leading the way with a second-half hat-trick.
Japan led 3-0 at the half through the work of Yui Hasegawa (15’), Yu Endo (22’), Asato Miyagawa (36’).
The Japanese continued the scoring two minutes after the break as Nana Ichise made it 4-0. Maki Hiratsuka and Mizuki Saihara also found the net on 56 and 62 minutes respectively.
Fuka Kono rubbed more salt on the Paraguayans’ wound with the Japanese’s ninth goal through a penalty two minutes into stoppage time.
Asako Takakura's side take on New Zealand in San Jose on Sunday to wrap up Group C.