Thrice is nice as Japan lift U20 Women's World Cup

Published 24/08/2018 at 19:19 GMT

Hinata Miyazawa, Saori Takarada and Fuka Nagano scored to give Japan a 3-1 win over Spain in the U20 Women's World Cup final.

Hinata Miyazawa celebrates her goal

Image credit: Getty Images

Japan now hold the trifecta of Women's World Cups - at U17, U20, and senior level.

Spain dominated possession in the first half but failed to make that advantage count, with Candela Andujar shooting just wide ten minutes before half-time.

Then with 38 minutes gone, Japan took the lead, with a beautiful curling effort from the edge of the box courtesy of Hinata Miyazawa.

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Jun Endo had the chance to double the score from close range in the 43rd minute, but goalkeeper Cata was at full stretch to tip the ball over the bar.

Laia Aleixandri (L) and Berta Pujadas (R) vie with Japan's forward Saori Takarada (C) during the Women's U20 World Cup final football match between Spain and Japan

Image credit: Getty Images

It was Saori Takarada who added the second in the 57th minute, sending her right-footed shot low into the far corner.

And Fuka Nagano wrapped it up with a marvellous first-time shot looping over Cata's head after Takarada's clever footwork played her in on the right side of the box.

Andujar clawed back a consolation goal 19 minutes from time, and two minutes later Claudia Pina hit the crossbar to give Spain hope that they might be able to mount a comeback.

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