FIFA U-17 WC: Nakamura scores the first hat-trick as Japan trounces Honduras 6-1

Keito Nakamura scored the first hat-trick of the U-17 World Cup as Japan trounced Honduras 6-1 on Sunday.

Nakamura celebrates after scoring his hat-trick during Japan's 6-1 win over Honduras on Sunday.

Japan shone in individual as well as in collective brilliance for an impressive 6-1 win over Honduras in the second Group-E match. Forward Keito Nakamura showed the way with the first hat-trick of the World Cup.

MATCH CENTRE

For a brief while, Honduras proved a hard nut to track defending capably. But it was Japan that captured the hearts with a pleasing and effective display; be it in one-touch passes or in creating chances.

The man everyone wanted to watch, Takefusa Kubo showed his wares with his turn and speed, but for most part he was a marked man unable to do much. The ‘Japanese Messi’ opened his account by firing in a left-footer from close range.

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In a crucial match to decide the potential group topper, France will clash with Japan while New Caledonia will take on Honduras on Wednesday. The results: Group-E: Japan 6 (Keito Nakamura 22, 30 & 43, Takefusa Kubo 44, Taisei Miyashiro 51, Toichi Suzuki 90) bt Honduras 1 (Patrick Palacios 36).