Japan U-20 Clinches Fast Track to Knockouts in Santiago
In a high stakes group stage clash in Santiago on September 30, the Japan under 20 team defeated host Chile 2-0. The victory made Japan the first side in the tournament to lock up a place in the knockout rounds, accelerating their run toward the knockout stage even before the final group match day.
How the match unfolded
The Japanese started in a 4-2-3-1 formation and brought in two changes from their opener as they faced a boisterous Chilean crowd that filled most of the stadium with more than 40 000 supporters. Japan controlled possession early, with their defense and midfield pressing high and limiting the time Chile had on the ball.
First half PK drama and missed opportunities
Japan earned a dangerous chance in the 31st minute when a foul in the box yielded a penalty. The captain often tasked with PK duties initially passed to a teammate for the kick, and that shot was saved by Chilean goalkeeper Sebastian Merla. A video check was used to review the incident, but the result stood with the save and Japan went into halftime still level at 0-0.
Second PK and the breakthrough
The second half produced another penalty after a foul in the box against a Japanese attacker. This time the captain took the kick himself and converted, giving Japan a 1-0 lead while the Chilean crowd raged with boos at the officiating. The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.
Relentless pressure and the clinching strike
Japan did not sit back after taking the lead. In the 63rd minute a midfield reshuffle was deployed as fresh legs were introduced to maintain tempo. Japan continued to press and, in the 37th minute of the second half, a long Pisano Alex pass unlocked the Chilean defense. A loose ball fell to Yumiki Yokoyama who finished with a composed right foot shot from the edge of the area to double the lead to 2-0.
Key moments and tactical notes
Japan kept a disciplined shape in defense, absorbing Chilean pressure while exploiting counter opportunities. The tactical switch at halftime — a shift to a more dynamic attack with players moving into advanced roles — helped create better chances and sustain pressure on the hosts. The two PKs proved decisive, with the second one delivered by the regular PK taker, delivering the decisive margin.
What this means for Japan and the tournament
With two wins from two matches, Japan secured the earliest possible advancement to the knockout stage. The result ensures Japan will reach the round of 16 regardless of the final group game outcomes, thanks to their six-point tally and the structure that keeps the top four third-placed teams advancing. This marks a return to the knockout rounds for Japan at the U-20 World Cup, a notable achievement not realized since the 2019 edition.
Looking ahead
Japan now looks ahead to the final group fixture with confidence, aiming to consolidate their position and test deeper rotation ahead of the knockout rounds. The team has shown resilience in hostile environments and demonstrated the depth in their forward line, with Ichihara and Yokoyama delivering the two crucial goals to stun the hosting nation and fans.
(Reporting by Yusuke Ishikawa)
