The quarter-finals of the U17 Women's World Cup came to a close this morning, with an exceptionally close match between Japan and England. After a 2-2 draw in regular time, Japan was defeated 1-4 on penalties, and was eliminated 3-6 on aggregate, bidding farewell to the semifinals.
In the first half, the two sides engaged in a battle of speed and skill. Japan's Yuna Aoki was the first to break through in the 24th minute to give her team an early lead. However, England were not discouraged and Erica Parkinson responded quickly to equalize in the 28th minute. Japan's Yona Hirakawa added another goal in the 29th minute to take a 2-1 lead at the end of the first half.
The match resumed and England made the comeback in the 71st minute through a goal by Zara Shaw. Neither side could do anything in extra time and the match went to penalty kicks. England hit all the first four rounds, while Japan scored only one goal. In the end, England won 5-1 and advanced to the semifinals.
