Japan meet New Zealand in the opening match of the Women’s U20 World Cup, with the official starting line-ups now confirmed for the tournament’s first fixture.
Japan begin the competition as the reigning runners-up and three-time finalists. They are regarded as the favourites for this match and will line up in a 4-4-2 formation under manager Akira Ijiri.
Ijiri’s side is built around possession, with players capable of moving the ball quickly during transitions and maintaining a high press. Japan will look to control the game through their work on the ball while also applying pressure high up the pitch.
Uruha Iwasaki has been named captain and will start in goal. She is joined in the Japan side by Mitsuki Ota, Haruko Suzuki, Hibari Hara, Momoka Sano, Asako Furuta, Rinka Higuchi, Miharu Shinjo, Yuka Kurimoto, Noa Fukushima and Konoha Nakamura.
Japan’s starting line-up 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 their attacking partnership of Pia Vlok and Emily Lyon to make an impact against the Japanese defence. Their physical presence is expected to be an important part of New Zealand’s approach in the match.
Brooke Neary has been selected in goal and will also have a key role when dealing with aerial balls. Daisy Brazendale has been named captain of the New Zealand team.
New Zealand’s starting line-up is:
Brooke Neary (goalkeeper), Alyssha Eglinton, Charley March, Penny Brill, Daisy Brazendale (captain), Grace Bartlett, Charlotte Mortlock, Zoe Benson, Grace Duncan, Pia Vlok and Emily Lyon.
The two teams will meet shortly in the first game of the Women’s U20 World Cup. Japan enter with the stronger tournament record and the status of three-time finalists, while New Zealand will rely on their attacking duo and physical approach as they begin their campaign.
Both official line-ups reflect the contrasting styles described ahead of kick-off: Japan are set up to build through possession, quick transitions and an aggressive press, while New Zealand will hope Vlok and Lyon can challenge the Japanese defence and that Neary can provide security in the penalty area.