Japan secured their long-awaited return to the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the most dramatic of circumstances after scoring an injury-time equaliser against North Korea before edging the two-time defending champions in a penalty shootout on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Champions in 2014, Japan will meet Nigeria – who beat Brazil 3-1 in their last four tie – in the final of the Morocco 2026 edition on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Korea dominated the match from start to finish and took a deserved lead thanks to Ri Ui Gyong’s inch-perfect half-volley in the 52nd minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japan, though, did not give up and managed to equalise deep into injury time after Won Sol Gyong put the ball in her own net under pressure from the opposition. There was a lengthy VAR review for a potential handball by a Japan attacker but it was awarded by the officials to send the match to spot-kicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the momentum on their side, Japan were perfect from the spot. After Eh Chong Gum had her effort saved by Kou Kadowaki and then Kim Ju Gyong rattled the post, it was up to Asuka Tanaka to seal victory for Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tanaka coolly slotted the ball into the net to seal Japan’s return to the final for the first time since 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile Nigeria seek to claim the world title, following a convincing performance against their South American rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Nigerians secured their place in the decisive match with an impressive second-half display. After a goalless first half, the Flamingos broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Queen Joseph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nigeria continued to press and extended their advantage. Awuwu Bashiru doubled the lead in the 71st minute before completing her brace in the 80th minute to make it 3-0. Brazil pulled one back late in the match through Greise in the 89th minute, but it was not enough to prevent Nigeria from securing qualification.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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