U-17 Women’s World Cup starts off right for Japan

Japan's effort in the U-17 Women’s World Cup started off right with a 3-2 triumph over the American squad in New Zealand.

Vicki DiMartino scored for the Americans three minutes after the opening whistle before Mana Iwabuchi equalized it nine minutes later when she scooped a rebound off Chiaki Shimada shot that had hit the post. Six minutes after the break, the Americans once again took the lead with Kristie Mewis' goal. However in a flurry Natsumi Kameoka drew the match level with twenty-two minutes remaining and six minutes later Akane Saito's cross was dispatched to the back of the net by Kei Yoshioka to give Japan the 3-2 victory.

Japan faces France on November 2 after they defeated Paraguay 6-2 in their opening match.