Japan clinch U20 World Cup title, England finish 3rd

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Japan won their first Women's World Under-20 World Cup title on Friday with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the final in Vannes, France on Friday. 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.

Jun Endo of Japan during the 2018 U20 Women's FIFA World Cup final against Spain in Vannes, France. /VCG Photo

Hinata Miyazawa gave Japan a 38th-minute lead before Saori Takarada doubled the lead in the 57th minute and Fuka Nagano put the game beyond the reach for Spain in the 65th minute. Spain later grabbed a late consolation goal through Candela Andujar.

Meanwhile, host nation France and traditional rivals England played for pride as they lined up for the third-place match on Friday.

Both had suffered crushing disappointments in the semi-finals - France to Spain and England to Japan - but the two sides were determined to put on a show here.

France had the better of the first half and Emelyne Laurent and Annahita Zamanian both had chances to open the scoring, but it was England who snatched the lead 32 seconds into the second half following a superb shot on the turn by Georgia Stanway. It was a sixth goal of the tournament for the Manchester City forward, taking her level with Spain's Patricia Guijarro at the top of the scoring charts.

England players celebrate after winning the third place at the 2018 U20 Women's FIFA World. /VCG Photo

France refused to buckle, though, and were awarded a penalty 20 minutes later. England's Chloe Peplow was judged to have tripped France substitute Amelie Delabre in the box by Zambian referee Gladys Lengwe and Emelyne Laurent converted with ease to make it 1-1.

With the final itself scheduled to follow this game, there was no extra time and the match went straight into a shoot-out.

Selm Bacha missed for France to give England the advantage at 2-1, but the hosts got back on level terms after Alessia Russo failed to score.

Laurent tucked away another neat spot kick to make it 2-2, then Chloe Peplow put England back in front.

The pressure proved too much for Delabre, up next, and her effort was saved by England goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.

It all meant that England had the chance to win it and although Jusine Lerond got a hand to Georgia Allen's penalty, she couldn't keep it out. England took the third place, the best result they have ever had at an Under-20 World Cup.