Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nanjing: Japan striker Rikako Kobayashi enjoyed a double celebration on Saturday as the Young Nadeshiko striker was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player as her side won a record-breaking fourth AFC U-19 Women’s Championship with a victory on penalties over DPR Korea.
The 18-year-old netted four goals in three appearances, including the winner in the 1-0 semi-final victory over Korea Republic, as Japan booked a final date with the 2007 winners.
But despite being able to add to her tally in the 0-0 stalemate with Hwang Yong-bong’s side, Kobayashi scored her team’s second spot kick in the penalty shootout as they ran out 4-2 winners.
Japan win AFC U-19 Women’s Championship
“I didn't expect to win this award. I am very happy to win the championship and the most valuable player award is an unexpected bonus for me,” said Kobayashi, pictured receiving the trophy from AFC Executive Committee member Moya Dodd.
Kobayashi notched a brace in her side’s 2-0 opening day victory over Australia as the Young Nadeshiko signalled their tournament credentials with an impressive performance.
And after being rested for the 6-0 win over Uzbekistan in the second round of group matches, Kobayashi returned to drill home her side’s opener into the bottom corner in a 3-2 victory over hosts China that guaranteed they progressed to the semi-finals as winners of Group A.
Then Kobayashi made her most important contribution in the semi-final against Korea Republic, with the on-form forward securing a deserved 1-0 victory in the final 10 minutes with an accurate finish in off the post as extra time loomed.
But although the number 9 was unable to add to her tally in Saturday’s final, she produced a fine performance and was only denied a goal by an excellent first-half save from DPR Korea keeper Rim Yong-hwa.
“She [Kobayashi] is a very skilful player and she has the capability to come up with important goals at good times for the team,” said Japan coach Asako Takakura.
“Nobody knows exactly how far she can go in her career, but I believe she has the potential to make it to the top if she keeps putting in the effort.
“Overall, I am very happy with her performances in this tournament.”
DPR Korean forward Ri Un-sim, meanwhile, claimed the top scorer award after finding the back of the net six times in five games.
Ri scored a hat-trick in her side’s 5-0 opening game win against Thailand before notching two more in the 9-0 victory over Iran.
She then scored the first in the 2-0 semi-final win over China but was unable to add to her tally in Saturday’s final, but did convert from the spot in the penalty shootout.
The Fair Play award was given to Japan after the tournament winners' 100 percent record at the AFC U-19 Women's Championship included an unblemished disciplinary record with no yellow cards received in five matches.
Photo: WSG