NEWS

Japan lost to England 5-4 in the penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup on Sunday in Hamilton, New Zealand.

In the shootout, Japan’s third kicker, Natsumi Kameoka, saw her spot kick blocked by England goalkeeper Lauren Davey, while England successfully converted all five penalties.
“This is a disappointing result,” Japan under-17 women’s coach Hiroshi Yoshida stated.
England threatened the Japanese goal early on when Rebecca Jane hit the bar, but it was Japan who went ahead first when forward Chinatsu Kira latched on to a through ball from Mana Iwabuchi and slotted home the opener in the eighth minute.
But the Japanese girls faced strong pressure from their English counterparts and found it difficult to play their own game.
England leveled the scores shortly before the break when Lucy Staniforth collected a loose ball and fired it in.
Japan attempted to play a passing game and coach Yoshida sent in two speedy players – Kei Yoshikoka and Yoko Tanaka – in an attempt to put pressure on the opposition.
Iwabuchi put Japan in front again in the 82nd minute from a long feed by Natsuki Kishikawa.
But England responded again in time added on when Isobel Christiansen fired home from long range.
Yoshida said, “We should have scored when we had the chance. One goal could have made the difference, but England pressed us hard and stopped our buildup play.”
“This result tells us we are missing something from our game, although our players did everything they could.”
Yoshida continued, “I hope each of our players can find those missing parts – both on the mental side and the technical side – and improve their game, and I hope they can use this experience when they become Nadeshiko Japan players in the future.”