Japan defeats Spain, 2-0, to win Under-17 Women’s World Cup

Japan completed a magnificent Under-17 Women’s World Cup run with a, 2-0, victory over Spain in the final at the National Stadium on Friday evening. The Japanese team dominated the tournament, scoring 23 goals and allowing only one in the World Cup, which began on March 15.  Japan — also the defending Women’s World Cup champions — won every match by at least two goals in securing the country’s first Under-17 Women’s World Cup title.

In the third place match, which took place in the National Stadium prior to the final, Italy edged Venezuela in a thriller. Italy took a one-goal lead four times, and each time Venezuela came back to tie the game. The Vino Tinto did it for the final time in the 95th minute of the game, equalizing the game at 4-4. The goal sent the game to penalties, and this time Venezuela couldn’t keep up. Italy outshot Venezuela in penalties, 2-0, to take third place.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, hosted a successful World Cup. FIFA President Joseph Blatter visited the country for the championship match, and on Thursday praised Costa Rica’s job as host (the Costa Rica women’s under-17 team was less impressive — losing all three of its matches before being eliminated). Costa Rica hopes to use this year’s success as a springboard for hosting bigger World Cup events. 

Asian countries have shined at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup. North Korea won the first edition in 2008 in New Zealand. Two years later, South Korea took the title in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2012 in Azerbaijan, France won the championship. The crown will return to Asia after Friday night, and Japan’s splendid journey to its first Under-17 Women’s World Cup title.