Japan edge US to finish third

By ISAAC LIRI
JAPAN underlined their class with a 1-0 win over the USA in the third-place playoff of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup on Saturday.
Striker Mami Ueno was on the end of a slick interchange of passes that saw the 20-year-old slot in the match-winner in the 87th minute at the National Football Stadium as the US defence watched on spellbound.
The Japanese players received bronze medals for their effort and victory would have eased some of their disappointment after their semifinal 2-1 loss to France last Tuesday.
Displaying resilience in attack in the final quarter of the game Japan scored three minutes before the end of regular time and held out several great attempts by the Americans to equalise.
Finishing third was satisfactory according to Japan coach Asako Takakura although she admitted they would have loved to play in the final.
“We would have loved to play in the final as it was our goal however securing third place is still an achievement we are proud of,” Takakura said. The Japanese coach acknowledged the US for a good challenge in the third-place playoff and summed up their overall participation in the World Cup as a good experience for her players, who would now focus on making the senior team in the future.
“Finishing third is satisfying for us, it has been a good experience for us playing here in PNG and the players will now look forward on their new chapter in making the senior team,” Takakura said.
The former Japanese player also acknowledged the local fans for their support all through the tournament.
“I am personally grateful to the support PNG fans for their support for us since we started playing here; the people have been so friendly to us and we are so happy about that,” the 48-year old said.
US coach Michelle French congratulated Japan for their win, admitting that her side were out-played.
“Watching that game, I’m sure you will all agree that Japan was just world class, too strong for us but we did our best,” French said.
“I can say I’m impressed with Japan for their style of game and I’m also impressed with our girls and their passion.”
“We gave everything we had and I’m pleased with the massive passion shown by the girls which we almost got some goals but I couldn’t ask for more; it has been a fantastic experience for the girls, it has opened up their minds and they’ve done all they could.”
The US showed class in the first-half, bringing the challenge to Japan but as halftime drew closer, Japan had more ball possession and goals attempts.
After coming back from a scoreless halftime, Japan continued their dominance in attack as the US defended stoutly until the dying minutes of the game when Japan snatched the winner.