Japan name Uruha Iwasaki as captain for Women’s U20 World Cup opener against New Zealand

Japan will face New Zealand in the opening match of the Women’s U20 World Cup, with both teams’ starting line-ups now confirmed.

Japan enter the tournament as runners-up and three-time finalists, and are regarded as favourites for this encounter. Head coach Akira Ijiri has selected a 4-4-2 formation for the match, with captain and goalkeeper Uruha Iwasaki leading the side.

The Japanese team is built around possession football, with players capable of moving the ball quickly during transitions while also maintaining a high press. Their starting line-up reflects that approach, with a balance between defensive organisation, midfield control and attacking movement.

Japan’s starting line-up against New Zealand is:

Uruha Iwasaki (goalkeeper, captain), Mitsuki Ota, Haruko Suzuki, Hibari Hara, Momoka Sano, Asako Furuta, Rinka Higuchi, Miharu Shinjo, Yuka Kurimoto, Noa Fukushima, Konoha Nakamura.

New Zealand will look to the attacking partnership of Pia Vlok and Emily Lyon to trouble the Japanese defence. The pair are expected to provide a physical threat, while goalkeeper Brooke Neary will be an important presence when dealing with aerial balls.

New Zealand’s starting line-up against Japan is:

Brooke Neary (goalkeeper), Alyssha Eglinton, Charley March, Penny Brill, Daisy Brazendale (captain), Grace Bartlett, Charlotte Mortlock, Zoe Benson, Grace Duncan, Pia Vlok, Emily Lyon.

The match brings together a Japan side with significant experience at this level and a New Zealand team hoping to make an impact through its physical approach and attacking duo.

Japan’s status as three-time finalists gives them a strong pedigree in the competition, while their runners-up finish means they begin this campaign among the leading contenders. Ijiri’s side will aim to impose its possession-based style from the start, using a high press to try to limit New Zealand’s ability to build attacks.

For New Zealand, the focus will be on using Vlok and Lyon to place pressure on Japan’s back line. Neary’s handling of crosses and other aerial deliveries could also prove important as the match unfolds.

With the official teams announced, the opening game of the Women’s U20 World Cup is set to begin with Japan’s structured, pressing style facing New Zealand’s physical attacking threat.