Kathmandu, 3 September. In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Japan’s U-20 Women’s team overwhelmed New Zealand with a resounding 7-0 victory in their Group E first-stage match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.
The match, held at Estadio El Techo, Bogota , saw Japan take control early on, with Maya Hijikata opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Her beautiful right-leg touch, assisted by Miyu Matsunaga, found the back of the net with precision, setting the tone for what would be a one-sided affair.
FULL TIME
JAPAN🇯🇵 7-0 NEW ZEALAND🇦🇺#U20WWC @jfa_nadeshiko pic.twitter.com/py9vlO5V8r
— Wo So JAPAN (@WoSoJAPAN) September 3, 2024
Hijikata doubled Japan’s lead in the 38th minute, showcasing her finishing prowess once again. Just three minutes later, Chinari Sasai added a third goal, putting Japan firmly in the driver’s seat. Aemu Oyama further extended the lead just before halftime, netting the fourth goal in the 45th minute.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Japan maintaining their relentless pressure. Shinomi Koyama scored Japan’s fifth goal in the 60th minute, and Miku Hayama followed up with a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box in the 75th minute. Sasai capped off the dominant performance with her second goal of the match in the 90+1 minute, sealing Japan’s 7-0 victory.
Maya in motion. 🇯🇵#U20WWC pic.twitter.com/41836rutby
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) September 3, 2024
Japan’s relentless attack resulted in 30 attempts on goal, with 17 on target. In contrast, New Zealand managed only two attempts, both on target, but failed to break through Japan’s solid defense.
This victory places Japan at the top of Group E, showcasing their intent to be a major contender in the tournament. The last time these two teams met in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup was in 2012 at Miyagi Stadium, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw. However, Japan’s performance in this match shows how far they have come since then.
Japan’s next match is scheduled for September 6th against Ghana, while New Zealand will face Austria on the same day. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances as they continue their campaigns in Colombia.
