Japan, Nigeria advance to last four

0 Comments

31 August 2012-AP

Japan Korea Republic FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup

Through ... Japan players celebrate Hanae Shibata's opener (AAP)

Hanae Shibata scored two goals as Japan beat Korea Republic 3-1, while Nigeria edged out Mexico 1-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup.

Shibata scored in the eighth minute to give Japan an early lead, but Jeoun Eun-ha equalised for Korea Republic seven minutes later at Tokyo's National Stadium.

Shibata put the host nation ahead in the 19th minute, and Yoko Tanaka extended the lead in the 37th with her fifth goal of the tournament.

Japan will face the winner of Friday's quarter-final between defending champion Germany and Norway.

In the day's other quarter-final, Desire Oparanozie scored in extra-time for Nigeria.

Nigeria dominated the first hour but was unable to breakthrough until Oparanozie's header from Ugo Njoku's cross in the 109th minute.

Nigeria, runner-up at the 2010 tournament, will next face the winner of Friday's quarter-final between tUnited States and Korea DPR.

Mexico had a chance to take the lead, but Yamile Franco hit the crossbar with an angled free-kick in the first period of extra-time.

News

Global

FIFA plans five-match racism bans

FIFA is set to follow England's lead and bring in a mandatory five-match ban for players found guilty of racism plus points deductions for clubs where fans are serial offenders.

0 Comments

Keegan: Becks won't become a coach

Opportunities open up for Beckham

FIFA extends bans on nine players

Agent challenges fair play rules

FIFA plans to get tough on racism

FIFA provisionally bans Blazer