France enter last 16; defeat Japan 2-1

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:40 am
Amine Gouiri struck a brace as France notched a 2-1 victory over Japan to secure a pre-quarterfinal berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Guwahati.
AP Photo/Anupam Nath

Amine Gouiri struck a brace as France scored a 2-1 victory over Japan to secure a pre-quarterfinal berth at the U-17 World Cup, in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Gouiri scored in the 13th and 71st minute, while Japan found a consolation goal through Taisei Miyashiro in the 73rd minute at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium.

Japan had earlier hammered Honduras 6-1 in their tournament opener.

The first goal on Wednesday came when Gouiri unleashed a right-footer from the left side of the box off a Maxence Caqueret assist.

Despite falling behind, Japan created chances, with the best of those opportunities being a free-kick from Keito Nakamura that took a big deflection off the French wall and flew just wide.

Gouiri scored again just past the midway point of the second half, after finishing off a superb bit of inter-play with Yacine Adli in the Japanese box.

The second France goal prompted a reply from Japan, who reduced the deficit through a Taisei Miyashiro penalty. However, the French held on to record their second straight win in the competition.