.jpg?w=2400&h=1350&q=80)
AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The Young Nadeshiko withstood an all-out display from DPR Korea to emerge 1-0 winners and take home the trophy for a record-extending seventh time, and Ijiri was elated his side had soaked up everything the defending champions had thrown their way.
#U20WAC | Final: Japan 1-0 DPR Korea
“I expected a tough match and it was, but the players did it and I thank them for playing with maximum effort until the final minute,” he said. “This trophy is not only for us but the entire football family in Japan, who played a big part in developing the players.”
Japan started well but were gradually overwhelmed in the first half, with the defence kept on the back foot and keeper Uruha Iwasaki making three crucial saves to keep the scoreline at a stalemate.
“This is not what we wanted (allow DPR Korea to dominate the first half) as we always take the initiative in offence and defence,” said Ijiri. “But they played a physical game, were stronger, very collected and pressed us hard.”
Japan started well but were gradually overwhelmed in the first half, with the defence kept on the back foot and keeper Uruha Iwasaki making three crucial saves to keep the scoreline at a stalemate.
“This is not what we wanted (allow DPR Korea to dominate the first half) as we always take the initiative in offence and defence,” said Ijiri. “But they played a physical game, were stronger, very collected and pressed us hard.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Ijiri’s pep-talk during the break proved the turning point, with a 56th-minute strike from defender Momoka Sano knocking the wind from DPR Korea’s sails.
“I told my players that despite having a tough time in the first half, we did not concede and defended well,” he said. “I also told them to be more offensive, and used videos to analyse their game and showed them how to do it.”
“I told my players that despite having a tough time in the first half, we did not concede and defended well,” he said. “I also told them to be more offensive, and used videos to analyse their game and showed them how to do it.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
The 56-year–old, who attributed the win to a collective effort from his players and staff, however, expects more as his side prepare for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
“The players did very well but I'm not satisfied with the result because if we are, they won't become better.
“They are very young and need to develop more if they are to challenge in the FIFA World Cup, but I am happy and congratulate ourselves for today's win.”
“The players did very well but I'm not satisfied with the result because if we are, they won't become better.
“They are very young and need to develop more if they are to challenge in the FIFA World Cup, but I am happy and congratulate ourselves for today's win.”
Related News
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Japan edge DPR Korea to lift title
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Japan’s Fukushima receives Most Valuable Player honour
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
DPR Korea’s Ok I emerges Top Scorer
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
DPR Korea's Ju Gyong named Best Goalkeeper
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Han vows sharper DPR Korea at global challenge
Item 1 of 5