Falconets Lose To Japan In Third Place Match
Published: September 08, 2012
Source : fifa.com
Hosts Japan concluded the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria to claim third place.
Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa saw Japan claim a deserved win in front of a buoyant and colourful crowd at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Desire Oparanozie’s free-kick from the left flank evaded everyone early on, including goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda, only to ricochet off the far post and away to safety. However, it was to be the closest the Africans came to getting on the scoresheet in the opening period
Midway through the first half Japan opened the scoring as Tanaka let fly from distance with the ball proving too hot for Ibubeleye Whyte. The Nigerian custodian was unable to prevent the ball entering the goal, despite getting a hand on the effort. It was Tanaka’s sixth of the competition.
Despite Nigeria having more possession in the opening period, it was the home side which had much of the momentum as the half-time whistle blew.
Five minutes after the interval Japan doubled their advantage as first-half substitute Hanae Shibata speed past several defenders just outside the penalty area, before teeing up Nishikawa with a slick short pass with the finish equally sharp.
Japan missed an opportunity to seal the match just past the hour mark, with the ball narrowly missing two attackers and hitting the far post.
Nigeria then collected a lifeline on 73 minutes as Oparanozie’s free-kick slipped through the hands of Ikeda and over the line, although it should been a regulation stop for the Japan No1.
Nigeria turned up the heat on the Japan defence in the latter stages, but the home side managed to hang on for third place; their best showing at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Hosts Japan concluded the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria to claim third place.
Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa saw Japan claim a deserved win in front of a buoyant and colourful crowd at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Desire Oparanozie’s free-kick from the left flank evaded everyone early on, including goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda, only to ricochet off the far post and away to safety. However, it was to be the closest the Africans came to getting on the scoresheet in the opening period
Midway through the first half Japan opened the scoring as Tanaka let fly from distance with the ball proving too hot for Ibubeleye Whyte. The Nigerian custodian was unable to prevent the ball entering the goal, despite getting a hand on the effort. It was Tanaka’s sixth of the competition.
Despite Nigeria having more possession in the opening period, it was the home side which had much of the momentum as the half-time whistle blew.
Five minutes after the interval Japan doubled their advantage as first-half substitute Hanae Shibata speed past several defenders just outside the penalty area, before teeing up Nishikawa with a slick short pass with the finish equally sharp.
Japan missed an opportunity to seal the match just past the hour mark, with the ball narrowly missing two attackers and hitting the far post.
Nigeria then collected a lifeline on 73 minutes as Oparanozie’s free-kick slipped through the hands of Ikeda and over the line, although it should been a regulation stop for the Japan No1.
Nigeria turned up the heat on the Japan defence in the latter stages, but the home side managed to hang on for third place; their best showing at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Latest News
- Official: Promising Nigerian striker signs new deal with Burnley after leaving Stoke City
- Real Betis midfield overhaul: Leicester City ace Ndidi on the radar of La Liga club
- Stevenage join race for Crystal Palace striker who trained with Flying Eagles in 2023
- Super Eagles' saviour in friendly against Russia attracting interest from Fulham
- Super Eagles forward Chukwueze to hold showdown talks with Allegri over AC Milan future
- Chelsea, Galatasaray or Al-Hilal? Ex-Galatasaray TV reporter predicts Osimhen's next club
- Final day: Three Nigerians leave Arsenal after spending a combined 26 years at the club
- Iheanacho's future at Sevilla depends on ex-midfielder beaten by Nigeria in 1996 Olympics final
- Fact-check: Insider reveals the truth about reports linking Super Eagles midfielder to West Ham
- Onuachu's replacement: Southampton working on deal to sign USMNT striker


News Categories
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88