On Sunday 9 April, the U-16 Japan Women's National Team faced the U-16 Portugal Women's National Team in the third place play-off match of the Montaigu Tournament.
The match started with Japan creating close opportunities from the early minutes. In the fourth minute, KIKUCHI Hana (Hokkaido Consadole Asahikawa U-15) responded to a pass delivered by TSUJI Amiru (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies Junior Youth) to strike a shot inside the penalty area, but her attempt was denied by the opposing goalkeeper. NAKAHIRA Rena (INAC Kobe Tesoro) also came close in the sixth minute, when she received a pass from SHINJO Miharu (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Menina), but her shot was also denied by the goalkeeper.
With momentum on their side, Japan scored the opening goal in the 10th minute, when NEZU Ririka (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-15) delivered a cross from the right side, setting up an opportunity for Kikuchi, who dribbled past a defender before striking a shot into the net. .....
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