Japan’s team players and members of staff celebrate with the trophy after winning the Women’s U20 World Cup final football match between Spain and Japan on August 24, 2018, at the La Rabine Stadium in Vannes, western France. / AFP PHOTO

Japan won their first Women’s World Under-20 title on Friday with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the final.

With favourites Germany and the United States — who had won six of the last eight titles between them — already eliminated, Japan made the most of their unexpected opportunity.

Hinata Miyazawa gave them a 38th-minute lead before Saori Takarada (57) and Fuka Nagano (65) put the game beyond the reach of Spain who grabbed a late consolation through Candela Andujar.

England defeated France 4-2 on a penalty shoot-out to finish third after their play-off had ended 1-1.