Japan achieves first Women's World Under-20 title

Japan won their first Women's World Under-20 title with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the final.

Japan won their first Women's World Under-20 title with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the final.

With favorites Germany and the United States -- who had won six of the last eight titles between them -- already eliminated, Japan made the most of their unexpected opportunity last night.

Hinata Miyazawa gave them a 38th-minute lead before Saori Takarada (57) and Fuka Nagano (65) put the game beyond the reach of Spain who grabbed a late consolation through Candela Andujar.

England defeated France 4-2 on a penalty shoot-out to finish third after their play-off had ended 1-1.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)