Japan clinched their place in the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday night with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Italy in their third and final Group Stage match.

The team faced an uphill battle after allowing two goals in the first seven minutes at Cheonan Stadium. 

But Japan were rescued by an inspired performance by Gamba Osaka striker Ritsu Doan, who volleyed home in the 22nd minute before weaving through the Italian rearguard to bundle in the equaliser just five minutes into the second half.

The result ensured that Japan, along with Italy and group winners Uruguay, will progress to the knockout round. 

Atsushi Uchiyama’s men will next take on Venezuela at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on May 30.