SAN JOSE: Spain clinched the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022 trophy as they beat Japan 3-1 in the thrilling final here at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica on Sunday.
Pedro Lopez’s side defeated the same opponents by the same score to avenge their loss to Japan in the 2018 final. With the win, Spain ended Japan’s undefeated streak for the last nine matches in the U20 Women’s World Cup.
Salma Paralluelo starred for Spain with double strikes before Inma Gabarro scored the opening goal in the first 15 minutes putting Spain in a 3-0 lead within the first 30 minutes of the game.
Japan, on the other hand, remained persistent as they fought back in the second half with Suzu Amano scoring in the 47th minute. Spanish defence, however, skilfully resisted any further damage to their lead.
“I’m in shock. I can’t believe what we achieved. We are an incredible team. I have no words to describe what we did.” said Gabarro who finished her campaign on a high note as she scored eight goals to become the leading scorer of the tournament.
“I can’t believe it. I don’t understand what just happened. I have the medal hanging around my neck and I’m still in shock. It’s going to take me a few days to believe that I’m world champion,” she said in utter joy.
Meanwhile, Brazil outclassed Netherlands 4-1 to claim the third spot in the tournament.
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SAN JOSE: Reigning champions Japan will continue the title defence of the FIFA U20 Women’s Cup as they booked the final spot consecutively for the second time after defeating Brazil 2-1 in the semifinal, whereas Spain thumped the Netherlands to become the other finalist for Sunday’s closing game.
Maika Hamano shone for Japan after her scintillating goal just six minutes before the full time put the defending champions on a 2-1 lead over Brazil.
Japan went for a dominating start as they tested Brazil’s defence for a few times before Yuzuki Yamamoto netted the ball from outside the area in the 31st minute to make it 1-0.
Brazil retaliated in the second half as Miriam Cavalcante scored the equalizer in the 56th minute before Hamano blasted the decider and seized Brazil’s hopes to to qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal between Spain and the Netherlands, Inma Gabarro continued with her sublime form as she scored double to help Spain thump their European opponents 2-1.
Gabarro scored two back-to-back goals in three minutes to put Spain on a 2-0 lead in the first half. The Dutch side, however, responded in the second half with Van Gool finding the nets in the 54th minute to reduce the lead to 2-1.
Spain will now face the defending champions Japan in the final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, whereas, Netherlands and Brazil will compete for third place.
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