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Japan completed a stunning late turnaround to send shockwaves through Paris 2024.

Trailing to Jhenifer’s 56th minute goal, A penalty from captain Saki Kumagai levelled the game heading into added time, before a stunning lob from Momoko Tanikawa sealed a remarkable comeback win for Futoshi Ikeda’s side.

The Parc des Princes was the venue for Group C’s second game, as Brazil and Japan who sit second and third respectively, locked horns.

Within the first two minutes, Brazil’s Lauren committed a dangerous challenge as Japan threatened to break away, and was awarded a yellow card by the referee inside two minutes.

Midway through the first half, Yasmim broke down the left and put a low ball in for Priscilla, who’s effort was skewed wide.

Japan then spurned a golden opportunity, with Ayaka Yamashita spotting Hinata Miyazawa with a quick goal kick and allowed the Manchester United forward burst into space and squared the ball for Mina Tanaka, who slid her effort wide when she should’ve done better.

With ten minutes to go to half time, Japan came close again, with Miyabi Moriya advacing well down the left and crossing for Yui Hasegawa, but her effort was easily held by Lorena Liete in the Brazillian goal.

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In first-half stoppage time, Moriya’s shot hit the outstretched arm of Rafaelle, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

Mina Tanaka stepped up, but her poor right-footed effort was saved by Liete, keeping the score level at the break.

Arthur Elias shuffled his pack with a triple change at half time bringing on Jhenifer, Ludimila da Silva and Tarciane Lima for Lauren, Gabi Nunes and Priscilla.

Two of the substitutes combined eleven minutes after the break to give Brazil the lead. Da Silva, released down the left by Marta’s signature reverse pass, played a perfectly weighted ball to Jhenifer, who arrowed her first-time finish past Yamashita.

Mina Tanaka’s luck didn’t improve. Just shy of the hour mark, she was blocked by Rafaelle, who celebrated exuberantly with her teammates. Eight minutes later, Tanaka’s stunning left-footed volley was superbly tipped over by Liete.

Japan turned to their bench and introduced Riko Ueki and Kiko Seike to try and turn the tide. It was Hasegawa however who almost dragged Japan back into it, failing to fire home and capitalise off a poor Leite goal kick.

English referee Rebecca Welch then bravely waved play on after the ball appeared to hit the arm of Yasmim, but overturned the decision after a VAR review and Japan had their second penalty of the game.

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Japan captain, Saki Kumagai slotted this one home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave Japan that momentum they craved, still with seven minutes of added time to go.

The remarkable turnaround was completed in the 96th minute. A sloppy giveaway from Brazil saw the ball land at the feet of Momoko Tanikawa, who lifted it perfectly over goalkeeper Lorena Liete, whose positioning left much to be desired.

This sealed a memorable win and blew Group C wide open.

Japan will next face Nigeria on Wednesday, while Brazil face World Cup champions Spain for the final round of group stage games.


Featured image courtesy of Mj-bird via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. License details found here


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