NEWS

The Japan Women’s Under-20 side battled back in the second half to draw 3-3 with Mexico in their opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany on Wednesday.

Japan went ahead in the 19th minute through Megumi Takase, but gave up three goals over 15 minutes later in the first half to go into the break 3-1 down. Renae Cuellar scored in the 31st minute for Mexico, followed by Charlyn Corral in the 41st minute and Nayeli Rangel in the 45th minute.
But the Japanese young ladies fought back and were able to close the gap to 3-2 after an own-goal by Cuellar in the 64th minute. Forward Mana Iwabuchi, who had an impressive game throughout, then deservedly struck the equalizer in the 88th minute.
“They went straight on the attack and that took us a little bit by surprise,” Japan coach Norio Sasaki admitted. “We were a little fortunate to pull level, but coming from behind to get a result like this is great for our morale.”
Mexico coach Roberto Medina said a draw was fair.
“We were full of energy in the first half,” he noted. “We worked hard and we got our reward up front. But our tempo dropped in the second half and Japan went on the attack.
“They needed a bit of luck to pull level and the own-goal gave them all the encouragement they needed to go for the equalizer. In the end, I think it was the right result.”