Japan, North Korea reach FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final

One of the most im­pressive teams at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024TM, Japan once again showed genuine championship pedigree in a 2-0 semi-final victory against the Netherlands. Allowing only one shot on goal, they frustrated the Dutch throughout while Manaka Matsukubo nabbed two goals and her third player of the match performance of the tournament to boot. Despite their dominant performance, Japan coach Michihisa Kano lamented that fatigue may have hampered the side and prevented an even more impressive display.

On Sunday, they face Korea DPR who have been similar­ly impressive for the entire tournament. It is also a rematch of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 final, which Korea DPR narrowly won 2-1. —FIFA.