Miyagi: Hosts Japan recovered from a shock start of the match to salvage a come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand to stay at the top of Group A of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012 Japan.
In the match played at Miyagi Stadium on Wednesday, Japan conceded two early goals but came back brilliantly to earn a point which saw them topping the group on goal difference to New Zealand. Group rivals Mexico defeated Switzerland 2-0 to stay in contention for the quarter-final while Switzerland are out of reckon for the knockout stages.
Yoko Tanaka’s 37th minute strike and equalizer from Ayaka Michigami in the 71st minutes rescued Japan who were clearly the better side on the day with their total shots reaching 28 against New Zealand’s eight in the match.
New Zealand opened the match in a promising note and Ayu Nakada’s clearance of a corner ended up inside her own net in the 11th minute for the New Zealanders’ lead. They doubled their lead in the 15th minute through Rosie White’s second in the tournament as the forward connected a brilliant left-footer after controlling the ball on her chest.
A deflected effort from Tanaka reduced Japan’s deficit to 2-1 in the 37th minute and the moment of the match came in the 71st minute when Michigami connected a sublime header against lanky Kiwis’ defenders. Japan looked for the winner in final quarter of the match without avail.
“We have not showed our gifted techniques fully yet," said Japan coach Hiroshi Yoshida. "Today we showed our technical football to some extent, but that was not enough to win the match."
Japan will take on Switzerland in the final match of Group A on Sunday.
Article source: http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/content/article/944-fifa-womens-u-20-world-cup-2012/39837-japan-fight-back-to-salvage-point
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