One of the most impressive teams at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024™️, Japan once again showed genuine championship pedigree in a 2-0 semi-final victory against the Netherlands. Allowing only one shot on goal, they frustrated the Dutch throughout while Manaka Matsukubo nabbed two goals and her third player of the match performance of the tournament to boot.
Despite their dominant performance, Japan coach Michihisa Kano lamented that fatigue may have hampered the side and prevented an even more impressive display. “Today, the players were a little tired. That lowered the quality somewhat, and we couldn’t score a goal [until the 55th minute].”
“Even though the Netherlands only got one shot on goal, our team still had a difficult period. It was a tough game in terms of the physical condition.”
Matsukubo agreed with her coach, but doesn’t doubt her team’s determination to keep going until they’ve taken the title. “I think everyone is tired, but we have only one game left that we can play together with this squad, so the tiredness doesn’t mean anything. Everyone will run for the team, and we definitely want to win.”
While Japan have scored a total of 18 goals over the course of the tournament – second only to Korea DPR, their opponent in Sunday’s showpiece – and only conceded twice, Matsukubo still sees room for improvement.
“We think we can score more goals and concede less goals. We are aiming higher. In the final, we need to make sure we play a perfect game, so we can win it. Arriving at this point, everyone is full of confidence. Winning the tournament is our only target now.”
On Sunday, they face Korea DPR who have been similarly impressive for the entire tournament. It is also a rematch of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 final, which Korea DPR narrowly won 2-1.
“Yes, we have confidence,” said Uno Shiragaki, who starred defensively in limiting the Dutch in Cali. “At this point, we are only thinking about winning the tournament. Since we were beaten by them twice, we want to win and avenge those defeats in Asia.”
“We know the final will be a very tough match. Our strength lies in attacking, so we will try to take the initiative in the final,” coach Kano promised.
