Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nanjing: Reigning champions Japan came from a goal behind to produce a dazzling second half display, beating Australia 5-1 and retaining top spot in Group B at the 2017 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship.
Second-half goals from Asato Miyagawa (pictured below), Honoka Hayasahi, Hinata Miyazawa and a double from substitute Saori Takarada turned the game around for Japan, after Remy Siemsen had given Australia the lead after 13 minutes.
The result does not guarantee Japan’s progression to the semi-finals – nor, by any means, does it eliminate Australia – but their second half performance was one worthy of one of the best teams in Asia.
The Young Matildas started the game confidently, and Remy Siemsen – fresh from her game-breaking goal against Korea Republic on Monday – nearly gave them the lead in unusual circumstances in the fifth minute, when her speculative pass across goal rolled and hit the upright.
Eight minutes later, a more deliberate Siemsen attempt found the net, as the striker intercepted a weak Reina Nagashima back pass before marvelously beating goalkeeper Aguri Suzuki from the edge of the penalty area.
Japan immediately looked to find a way back into the match, as Riko Ueki, Fuka Kono and Miyazawa – who came the closest – all had efforts at goal in the following 15 minutes.
Hayahsi looked certain to level the tie after being set up by Ueki, but an excellent last ditch tackle from Kaitlyn Torpey denied the Japanese captain.
Confusion in Japan’s defensive area nearly saw Australia benefit as a potential own goal from the foot of Riko Ushijima flew narrowly wide, before the Young Nadeshiko ended the half with three successive corner kicks, none of which produced a shot on target.
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www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/australia_v_japan_3_afcu19wc_jpg.html
