The U-17 Japan Women’s National Team claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup on May 11. With the win, they secured a spot in the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October to November.
Japan entered the match on a three-game winning streak in the group stage, having defeated Lebanon (13-0), India (3-0), and Australia (5-0) with an impressive 21 goals scored and none conceded. South Korea, on the other hand, advanced after finishing second in their group following a 0-3 loss to North Korea in their final group match.
The do-or-die encounter remained goalless in the first half. Early in the second half, Japan survived a scare when South Korea hit the post on a counterattack. In the 13th minute, the defense was tested again, but goalkeeper Ayaka Miyachi (INAC Kobe Leonessa) stood firm to deny the Korean attacks.
In the 24th minute, Japan conceded a penalty after a foul inside the box, but Miyachi brilliantly saved the spot kick. Just five minutes later, midfielder Lala Higuchi (Mynavi Sendai Ladies Youth) curled a stunning direct free kick into the net to give Japan the lead despite mounting pressure.
Although Japan failed to add a second goal, they held off South Korea’s late push to secure a clean sheet victory and advance to the semifinals.
In the other quarterfinal played simultaneously, Australia blanked Vietnam 2-0. Japan will face Australia in the semifinals on May 14.