Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nanjing: Japan will meet DPR Korea in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship final for the second edition in a row, after a five-goal second half blitz accounted for host nation China in the semi final in Nanjing on Wednesday.
Riko Ueki (pictured below) and Hinata Miyazawa shone, as the Young Nadeshiko piled on four goals in 16 second half minutes to win by an emphatic five goals to nil, after Hesterine de Reus’ side had resisted them throughout the first half.
China’s hunt for a first Asian U-19 title since 2006 is over, but they will still qualify for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup should they beat Australia in the playoff for third. Japan’s win means their place in France 2018 is secure.
For the third successive match, Japan coach Ikeda selected a starting line-up which bore little resemblance to the once which has preceded it, with nine personnel changes from the win over Korea Republic, breaking his pervious tournament record of eight.
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