Gdynia: Japan registered a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Mexico in Group B of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland at the Gydnia Stadium on Sunday.
The Samurai Blue sealed their first win of the tournament, coming after they had fought back to hold Ecuador 1-1 in their opening match on Thursday.
With Italy beating Ecuador 1-0 in the group's second match of the day, Japan's chances of reaching the knockout stage are bright.
Japan pressed Mexico from the kick-off, frustrating playmaker Diego Lainez and goalscorer Jose Macias.
At the other end of the field they were measured with their passing, probing for a way through that would come via Taisei Miyashiro in the 21st minute.
Miyashiro burst through the penalty area to latch onto a flicked header and fire a right-footed shot off the far post and in.
?? @jfa_samuraiblue produce their biggest win at a #U20WC since 20 June 1997, when they beat Costa Rica 6-2 in the group stage at Malaysia 1997. pic.twitter.com/cIjELxRisQ
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) May 26, 2019
Kyosuke Tagawa added to Japan's advantage in the 52nd minute, rising to redirect a corner kick past Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Higuera.
The Japanese put a bow on their performance with a brilliant team move in the 77th minute, initiated by a goal-kick and capped off by Miyashiro completing his brace.
Next up for Japan are Italy on Wednesday while Mexico - without a point after two matches - will face Ecuador.
Qatar, who lost 4-0 to a highly impressive Nigeria in Group D on Friday, will be aiming to keep their campaign alive against Ukraine on Monday, with the Europeans having edged the USA 2-1 in their opening match.
Reigning AFC U-19 champions Saudi Arabia, who lost 2-0 to France on Saturday, will face Mali in Group E on Tuesday, while Korea Republic - edged 1-0 by Portugal in Group F - play South Africa.
Sources: FIFA.com, FIFA via Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com