FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Japan, Korea land in semis

Japan are into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final for the second time after an impressive 3-1 win over Brazil in Port Moresby on Thursday.

Another Asian representatives, Korea DPR also qualified for the semi-final of the Papua New Guinea 2016 as they defeated Spain 3-2 in a game which was settled during extra-time.

A first-half goal from Miyabi Moriya and a second-half double from Shiho Matsubara were enough for the Japanese to progress on the back of yet another stylish performance.

Pressure started to mount as half-time approached and Mami Ueno let fly over the crossbar, while Hina Sugita did likewise forcing Carla into a save.

Finally, the breakthrough came as Yuka Momiki broke into the left side of the area and squared for Moriyato to slot home a few moments before the half-time whistle.

It was almost a case of déjà vu five minutes after the break as Japan repeated their goalscoring move, this time with even more precision. Moriya was released down the flank and her square ball behind the backline rolled perfectly into the path of Matsubara, who could not miss.

Matsubara, who emerged the Player of the Match, then failed to find the target by mere inches with a snap-shot, but it was little surprise when she soon nabbed her second and Japan’s third at the midway point of the half.

Remarkably, the goal followed a similar pattern as a low cross from the right eluded everyone, before being picked up by Matsubara, who stepped inside a defender and placed her shot into the far corner.

Brazil who pulled a goal back in injury time thanks to a penalty for Gabi Nunes.

Meanwhile, Korea DPR led by two at the half-hour mark and while Spain drew level midway through the second half, it was the East Asians who found an extra-time winner in a contest that could have gone either way.

A perfectly-flighted corner from Jon So Yon was met by an unmarked Ju Hyo Sim who powered a header into the net from little more six yards.

The Asians doubled their advantage on 30 minutes as a poor Spain clearance allowed Ri Hyang Sim to pounce on a loose bouncing ball in the penalty area and lift her effort over the advancing goalkeeper.

Despite the double set-back, Spain fought their way back into the contest and they netted a deserved goal as Nahikari Garcia coolly slotted home a rebound after Patricia Guijarro’s long-range shot was only parried by Kim Myong Sun.

The Spaniards drew level just past the hour-mark, with goalkeeper Kim again at fault. This time Andrea Falcon’s tame left-footed strike was pushed back into the path of Lucia Garcia, who scored easily from close range.

Korea DPR eventually made the breakthrough during extra-time as Kim Phyong Hwa scored the winner, somehow firing a shot through a packed penalty area just a minute into the second period.

The Koreans will now face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between USA and Mexico.