Japan secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in rainy Bogota to advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they will face Spain in a highly anticipated match.
The 2018 champions dominated early on, and after multiple attempts, Miyu Matsunaga headed in a cross from Rihona Ujihara in the 33rd minute, putting Japan ahead.
Despite a strong effort from Rofiat Imuran, who forced a save from Japan’s goalkeeper Akane Okuma, Japan held onto the lead going into the break.
In the second half, Maya Hijikata extended Japan’s lead, finishing a cross from substitute Chinari Sasai. This goal brought Hijikata level with Brazil’s Vendito in the Adidas Golden Boot race.
Though Olushola Shobowale scored a consolation goal for Nigeria in stoppage time, it wasn’t enough to stop Japan from claiming a 2-1 win, setting up a quarter-final clash with Spain, a re-match of the 2022 final.
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