France is aiming to score more goals against Japan in today’s semi-final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2016, underway in Port Moresby.
The European team will lock horns with the Asians at 7.30pm in the second semifinal match at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
France coach Gilles Eyquem highlighted that his team hasn’t scored many goals in the tournament so far and this is one of their weaknesses.
In the group round, France drew with USA nil all and Ghana 2-2, and defeated New Zealand 2-0.
In the quarterfinal, they beat reigning champions Germany in a close encounter 1-0.
Japan, however, has scored more goals in the tournament, thrashing Nigeria 6-0 and Canada 5-0, lost to Spain in a close encounter 1-0 and defeated Brazil 3-1 in the quarterfinal.
Eyquem admitted that it will be a problem if Japan scores more than two goals in tonight’s match.
“I would like my players to score more goals, they’re young and missing some high level experience.
“But they have a strong will to play and win so it’s a really great success and a really big joy to be in the semifinal,” he said.
France will be banking on captain and forward Delphine Cascarino to steer the team to score goals.
Eyquem praised Cascarino for being a quality player with outstanding skills and great defense, and can bring danger into the opponent’s camp.
Japan will be banking on top goal scorers Mami Ueno (4 goals), Yuka Momiki (3 goals), Yui Hasegawa (2 goals) and Shiho Matsubara (2 goals) to take help them secure a grand final spot.
The first semi-final match between United States and Korea DPR will kick off at 4pm.