This Sunday the Spain women’s under-20 team crowned a historic victory, becoming the first-ever sub’20 women’s champion by beating Japan 3-1 in the Costa Rica 2022 final. Salma Paralluelo scored two goals, Inma Gabarro added another, and Japan found a late reply through Suzu Amano. The win completes Spain’s dream campaign, finishing the tournament undefeated with just two goals conceded all tournament long, while top scorers included Inma Gabarro with 8 goals and the team’s overall star performance helping them lead the charts. Pedro López, the Spain coach, avenged the 2018 World Cup final loss to Japan when Spain fell 3-1 in France, guiding this group to the top. (Source: FIFA reports)
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD! YES! History is being made in Costa Rica! What a celebration for a squad that deserved this moment. HIGH OUTPUT — MUNDO CHAMPIONS! ORO! (Source: official tournament communications)
In the final, played at the National Stadium in San José, Spain opened with a strike from Inma Gabarro in the 12th minute and added two more through Salma Paralluelo in the 22nd and 27th minutes. Japan reduced the deficit with Suzu Amano’s goal in the 47th. (Match report attribution: FIFA Women’s World Cup)
Spanish dominance
From the opening minutes, Spain dictated terms. They held control in the early stages, taking a 3-0 lead within the first 30 minutes as Japan appeared unsettled and made several costly mistakes. Gabarro struck early, finding the back of the net after a well-timed run and a crisp finish. The defense held firm behind goalkeeper Txell Font, setting the tone for a disciplined performance. (Match summary: FIFAWWC)
Gabarro’s finish in the 12th minute came from a precise pass and a clear sense of offside awareness, showcasing Spain’s clinical attacking sense and composed build-up. The team’s relentless pressure pushed Japan onto the back foot, creating a momentum that proved decisive.
Paralluelo then extended the lead in the 22nd minute, a breakthrough that highlighted her pace and finishing prowess. By the 30th minute, Japan began to mount a response, and Txell Font had to remain alert to keep the sheet clean as Hamano and Tabata pressed for a goal. Yamamoto also came close, testing the Spanish defense with a half-chance shot. (Event notes: Costa Rica 2022 coverage)
Japan response
After halftime, Japan shifted tactics, creating chances through quick switches and wing play. A free kick and a late substitution briefly changed the dynamic, and Suzu Amano’s opener on the first ball touched by a substitute offered a glimmer of late hope. Despite improved tempo and more aggressive play in the second period, the Spanish defense remained organized and denied a sustained comeback. (Game observations: FIFA updates)
Twitter reactions from the Spanish program captured the exuberant mood as the team tightened its grip on the match. (Cited: SEFutbolFem and FIFAWWC posts)
Defensive strength
Spain’s defense anchored the effort throughout the tournament, allowing only one goal before the final and choosing to press effectively in transition. Even with Japan’s late pressure in the second half, the red defense withstood the challenge and preserved the clean sheet that underpinned the trophy run. (Defensive summary: tournament reports)
Data sheet
Spain lineup included Txell Font, Ana Tejada, Andrea Medina, Silvia Lloris, Esther Laborde (Mirari Uria m.62); Ariadna Mingueza (Sonia Majarín m.75), Julia Bartel, Asun Martínez (Fiamma Benítez m.46), Ane Elexpuru; Salma Paralluelo (Izarne Sarasola m.78) and Inma Gabarro (Maite Zubieta m.75). Coach: Pedro López.
Japan featured Shu Ohba, Ibuki Nagae (Suzu Amano m.46), Rion Ishikawa, Mihoshi Sugisawa, Haruna Tabata; Shinomi Koyama, Aemu Oyama (Mei Shimada m.88), Kokona Iwasaki (Manaka Matsukubo m.46), Aoba Fujino; Yusuki Yamamoto (Maya Hijikata m.83) and Maika Hamano. Coach: Futoshi Ikeda.
Judge: Emikar Caldera (Venezuela). Goals: Gabarro 12, Paralluelo 22, Paralluelo 27 pen., Amano 47. Attendance: around 30,000 at the San José National Stadium. (Official statistics: FIFA)