Japan U20 forward, Chinari Sasai says their 2-1 victory against Nigeria, on Thursday, was hard fought.
Former champions, Japan knocked out Nigeria in the round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, and Sasai credits the Falconets with pushing her team to work hard for that victory.
Goals in each half for the Asian side came through Miyu Matsunaga and Maya Hijikata, while Shola Shobowale got a late consolation for Chris Danjuma’s team.
“We knew that Nigeria is physically stronger and faster than us, but everyone was able to stay focused and score the first goal, and then the second,” Sasai told FIFA.com.
“I’m very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team.”
The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign and aspiration for a first title, while Japan progressed to the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
