GIRLS' FINAL: Iran 2-2 Japan (6-5 after penalties)

The girls kept the best game till last - a real cracker under a hot sun today at Ambrit Stadium.
Iran took the lead with an early Lucrezia goal but Annie came forward to equalise shortly afterwards. Iran piled on the pressure but Mari made some fantastic saves from Gaia and Lucrezia and Francesca defended expertly.
It was Japan who almost took the lead when Michelle passed to Carolina but her shot came back off the post. Michelle was now playing really well and made great runs through the centre and down the left, tackled hard in midfield too.
At the other end, Maria Carolina suddenly found herself with a chance with just the goalkeeper to beat but, again, Mari was equal to the challenge.
Japan then took the lead when Michelle rifled in an unstoppable shot from the left. Iran came back again and laid siege to the Japanese goal but it seemed that the ball just would not go in. But then it did! Gaia was first to a loose ball in the area and she made it 2-2.
A tense penalty competition followed where the goalkeepers made a series of good saves and it was left to Eleonora to score the winning goal for Iran!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lucrezia 4, Michelle 3, Annie 4, Mari 3, Gaia 2, Francesca 2, Maria Carolina 1, Giorgia 1, Carolina 1.