Preview – Q-final: Japan v Spain

The two met in the last two finals of the global showpiece, with Japan emerging champions in 2018 and Spain wresting the title from them two years ago.

Both will go into the last eight tie equally confident after registering four wins each.
Japan saw off the likes of New Zealand (7-0), Ghana (4-1) and Austria (2-0) to top Group E and were comfortable winners against Nigeria in the Round of 16, with the African side only threatening in the closing minutes of their 2-1 defeat on Thursday.

Having defeated Spain in the 2018 final, Japan were on the receiving end of the same scoreline two years ago but the Young Nadeshiko have shown maturity beyond their years at Colombia 2024.
AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 topscorer Maya Hijikata – who already has five goals to her name at Colombia 2024- will lead Japan’s charge but their strength is the quality they possess as a team.

Forward Chinari Sasai said the win over Nigeria was a morale booster going into the tie against Spain.
“We knew that Nigeria are physically stronger and faster than us, but everyone was able to stay focused and score the first goal, and then the second. I’m very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team,” said Sasai, who has three goals to her name.