Japan join a select club

Japan reign supreme at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018

They become the fourth country to win the competition

Spain’s Patricia Guijarro picks up the adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Boot

Prior to France 2018, only three nations had ever won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which had been held eight times previously: USA, Germany and Korea DPR. By the end of the tournament, however, Japan had added their name to that select list, having lit up the competition with their sublime passing game, orchestrated by supremely gifted talents such as Saori Takarada, Moeka Minami, Fuka Nagano and Riko Ueki.

Spain were the only side to trouble the champions, beating them in the group phase – the one and only defeat the Young Nadeshiko suffered at France 2018 – and then fighting till the end in the final, despite being 3-0 down at one stage. Pedro Lopez’s side can take pride from their second place, La Rojita’s best ever performance in the competition, and from the adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Boot collected by their star act, Patricia Guijarro.

Led by Georgia Stanway and her six goals, England achieved a best ever finish of their own in taking third place. The Young Lionesses beat France to the bronze in a penalty shootout that saw a surprise miss from Bleuettes left-back Selma Bacha, who had an otherwise excellent tournament.