There was a stark contrast in the opening two days of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. In the first day, when Group A and B played, there was a grand total 22 goals put home. The second, just seven but with far more entertaining games.
Hosts Papa New Guinea were torn apart by an experienced Brazillian side who showed no mercy. By half time they had already scored 6 and after the break, they certainly did not take their foot off the gas, scoring another three.
Elsewhere in the group Sweden held off a dominant Korea DPR, who are ones to watch, but still ended up letting two into the back of the net.
Spain and Japan marked themselves as the ones to beat in Group B as they both achieved emphatic victories over Canada and Nigeria respectively. The two teams with no points have to quickly recover from their hefty goal difference if they are to have a chance of progressing in the competition.
The closest clash came from two of the title contenders, France and USA. Looking at statistics, France came out on top but defender Maddie Elliston was the difference as she got in the way of Clara Mateo’s strike. Group C proved to be all round well matched when New Zealand narrowly took the lead through substitute Tayla Cristensen in the 89th minute.
Finally, Group D though more closely matched than some of the other fixtures undeniably swung in favour of holders Germany and underdogs Mexico.
The Germans went one up on debutants Venezuela through a composed Madeline Gier strike in the second minute of the game. The Vinotinto made a comeback, but it was soon counteracted by another two German goals. While Mexico showed what they are made of with a commanding victory over 2010 bronze medalists, Korea Republic.
USA captain Mallory Pugh in action against France (image via FIFA twitter)
Full Results:
Group A
Sweden 0-2 Korea DPR
Papa New Guinea 0-9 Brazil
Group B
Spain 5-0 Canada
Japan 6-0 Nigeria
Group C
France 0-0 USA
Ghana 0-1 New Zealand
Group D
Germany 3-1 Venezuela
Mexico 2-0 Korea Republic
