U-20 WWC 2014: First Round Recap, Day 4 – Groups C and D

Group C

Team		Played	Won	Draw	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
	England	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
	Korea Republic	2	0	1	1	2	3	1
	Mexico	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
	Nigeria	2	1	1	0	3	2	4

England vs. Mexico

Final: 1-1, draw

1st Half:
ENG – Bethany Mead – 36′

2nd Half:
MEX – Tanya Samarzich – 70′

Misconduct Summary: MEX – Amanda Perez (caution, 44′)

Although the 1-1 draw leaves England and Mexico even in the Group C standings, much of the game belonged to the European side. In addition to scoring a goal in the first half, England enjoyed 63% of possession, took 10 shots, and held Mexico to only one shot before the whistle. Mexico improved in the second, taking 12 more shots and finally capitalizing on a rebound to tie the game up.

Korea Republic vs. Nigeria

Final: 1-2, Nigeria

1st Half:
NGA – Courtney Dike – 1′
NGA – Chinwendu Ihezuo – 36′

1st Half:
KOR – Kim Soyi – 72′

Misconduct Summary: KOR – Ahn Hyein (caution, 57′)

Nigeria broke the deadlock of Group C despite having only 37% of possession throughout the match against Korea Republic. The scoring opened in record-setting fashion, as Nigeria’s Courtney Dike hit the back of the net 18 seconds into the game. Down 2-0 heading into the second half, the Koreans were able to get a goal back but could not find the equalizer before the final whistle.

Group D

Team		Played	Won	Draw	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
	New Zealand	2	1	0	1	2	4	3
	Paraguay	2	1	0	1	2	3	3
	France	2	2	0	0	9	1	6
	Costa Rica	2	0	0	2	2	7	0

France vs. New Zealand

Final: 4-0, France

1st Half:
FRA – Kadidiatou Diani – 22′

2nd Half:
FRA – Claire Lavogez – 53′
FRA – Clarisse Le Bihan – 80′
FRA – Clarisse Le Bihan – 82′

Misconduct Summary: NZL – Catherine Bott (caution, 31′), NZL – Meikayla Moore (caution, 84′)

France continued to rack up the goals and shots in the shutout win over New Zealand in Group D. Of 30 attempts, 17 were on goal – and four struck the back of the net. The Kiwis were held to a mere four shots, although all were on frame. After such solid performances in the first two matches, the French are unlikely to be shaken from the top of the group, as they face Costa Rica, at the bottom of table, next.

Paraguay vs. Costa Rica

Final: 2-1, Paraguay

1st Half:
PAR – Silvana Romero – 4′
CRC – Michelle Montero – 29′

1st Half:
PAR – Jennifer Mora – 88′ (PK)

Misconduct Summary: CRC – Anyi Barrantes (caution, 8′), PAR – Karen Hermosilla (caution, 27′), CRC – Fabiola Villalobos (caution, 45’+2), CRC – Noelia Bermudez (caution, 87′)

Paraguay picked up its first win at the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a penalty kick conversion in the closing minutes of the match against Costa Rica. The decisive penalty was awarded after Costa Rican keeper Noellia Bermudez took down an attacking Maribel Portillo in the box. The day’s results put Paraguay in a better position to advance from group, while Costa Rica’s chances have dwindled.