Japan dominate U20 friendlies

 By HENRY MORABANG
JAPAN are the unofficial winners of the Tri-Nations series after scoring two impressive victories over hosts Papua New Guinea and the US in the Under-20 women’s international friendly matches played at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
Last Wednesday, Japan crushed PNG 10-0 and then on Friday night, they outclassed the US 5-0 to finish unbeaten, with a tally of 15 goals scored while conceding none.
Speaking through a translator, captain Nana Ichise said she was pleased with two wins, adding that the warm-up matches had put them in good stead for the World Cup, which takes place in November.
“We are happy with the wins. The surface we played on was good and we played well,” Ichise said.
She insisted that there was still a lot of work and improving to do, despite tactically outclassing PNG and USA in their respective matches.
Against PNG, the Japan U20 team showed they were a class above the local girls, scoring three quick goals in the space of 11 minutes to put them on course to victory.
Ichise said they still need to improve on their physical game and quality to ensure they are well-prepared for the World Cup.
“Our fitness still needs improvement and our passing wasn’t as good as we would have liked.”
The majority of Japan’s U20s were part of the team that won the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup two years ago, showing that there was continuity in the side and the squad members were familiar with each other’s games.
US captain Emily Ogle was unable to attend the post-match press conference with local media.
Japan is pooled in Group B with Spain, Canada and Nigeria, while the US is in Group C, which has France, Ghana and New Zealand.
PNG is in Group A and will play Brazil, Sweden and South Korea, while Group D has Germany, Venezuela, Mexico and North Korea.
PNG plays USA in the final match of the friendly series tonight at the Sir John Guise Stadium.