Japan favourites face New Zealand challenge at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Japan begin their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign against New Zealand at 13:00 GMT on Sunday, with the tournament favourites determined to justify their billing all the way to the final.

The Japanese side arrive with an impressive recent record in the competition, having reached the final at each of the past three editions. They lifted the trophy in 2018, before finishing runners-up to Spain and Korea DPR in the following tournaments.

That experience gives Japan a psychological advantage before their opening match, although they will have to cope without Mao Itamura, who withdrew shortly before the start of the competition.

Despite that absence, Japan retain the qualities that have made them one of the leading teams in the tournament. Their strength lies in their collective approach and tactical discipline, while their possession-based style allows them to control matches by limiting the time their opponents have on the ball.

The meeting with New Zealand brings together two teams with considerable experience of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Japan’s recent run to three successive finals provides the clearest evidence of their consistency, but New Zealand also have a long history in the competition.

New Zealand are taking part in the tournament for the 10th time and have ambitions of going all the way. However, they have never beaten an Asian team at this level. Their record against Japan makes that challenge even more significant, with New Zealand having already suffered defeat by the same opponents.

Sunday’s fixture therefore offers New Zealand the chance to put that record right and claim revenge, while Japan will look to begin their latest campaign in the manner expected of a side regarded as one of the favourites.

Japan’s ability to keep possession and maintain their shape will be central to the contest. New Zealand must find a way to disrupt that control if they are to avoid another defeat by an Asian opponent and make a strong start to their 10th appearance.

For Japan, the objective is clear: extend a run that has seen them reach the final in each of the past three editions and begin their pursuit of another title with victory. Their opening game will test whether their collective strength and tactical discipline can withstand a New Zealand side motivated by both ambition and the prospect of revenge.