Japan registered a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Mexico in Group B at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019. It was the Samurai Blue's first win of the tournament.
Japan pressed El Tri 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.
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.
With the victory Japan bolstered their chances of advancing to the knockout stages, having collected four points from their opening two games. Mexico, meanwhile, will continue to seek their first points at Poland 2019.
Next up (Wednesday)
Ecuador-Mexico (18:00 local time) Italy-Japan (18:00 local time)