Japan cruised to a 5-0 win against Zambia in their opening FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco Group D tie on Sunday.
Sadayoshi Shira’s side were relatively untroubled as strikes from Nanami Kurita (two), Wara Shimizu, Asuka Tanaka and an own goal from Grace Phiri gave them a resounding start.
Japan wasted little time in stamping their authority, racing into a 2-0 lead with under 15 minutes on the clock.
Kurita was the first to find the target, side-footing home from inside the box in the ninth minute after Mei Hanashiro’s run and cut-back.
The unfortunate Phiri could only divert into her own net four minutes later as Sayana Oshita met a corner from the right.
The East Asian side extended their lead in the 72nd minute when substitute Wara Shimizu headed home at the far post, with Jessica Johnson unable to prevent it from crossing the line.
Kurita tapped home a second in the 88th minute after unselfish play from Fuki Ito. Asuka Tanaka scored arguably the goal of the game deep into added time with a slaloming run and neat finish.
Next up for Japan is a meeting against 2012 champions France on Wednesday.
RESULTS
Japan bt Zambia 5-0
Brazil bt Canada 6-2
France bt Venezuela 2-0
Norway bt Ghana 3-0
