Action continued in the 2012 Under-20 Women’s World Cup on Monday, with favorites United States and Germany both posting 4:0 wins, while Canada cruised and then coasted over Argentina and North Korea defeated Norway. With the USA’s and Germany’s equivalent wins, the two teams are even in the Group D table.
Highlights are available for all matches on FIFA’s website. The individual match pages, hyperlinked below, also have highlights for the particular match.
* * *
GROUP C
Argentina, one of the weakest teams in the tournament, made Canada’s job even easier when one of Argentine defenders pushed a Canadian attacker in the 6th minute, earning a red card and a penalty kick. With Argentina down to ten players, Canada cruised to a 6:0 victory. Although, in the second half Canada coasted, scoring only a single goal. Adriana Leon scored a hat trick in the first half and was subbed-off at the break. But, the goal of the match was Jaclyn Sawicki’s chip over the goalkeeper from outside the box.
In the earlier match, North Korea defeated Norway 4:2 in a match where Norway got two equalizers but was never able to take control. Norway’s second goal was a gift from the Korean ‘keeper who was unable to control a backpass. An alert Ada Hegerberg latched onto the ball and poked it home. Emilie Haavi, who is returning from a serious injury, only played the last ten minutes of the match for Norway.
Canada 6, Argentina 0.
CAN Goals: Zadorsky (7′ PK), Sawicki (20′), Leon (22′, 42′, 45+1′), Charron Delage (86′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page, CanadaSoccer.com match page, ESPN3.com Replay.
North Korea 4, Norway 2.
PRK Goals: Yun H.H. (15, 40′ PK), Kim U.H. (72′), Kim S.G. (77′).
NOR Goals: Hansen (23′), Hegerberg (54′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page.
The next matches for Group C are on Thursday, with North Korea taking on Argentina and Canada facing Norway. Neither match will be televised in the USA.
* * *
GROUP D
The United States opened this year’s tournament doing what it could not two years ago: defeat Ghana. Instead of a 1:1 scoreline, the USA had four goals to none: the first off an own goal, and the rest during the run of play through a Maya Hayes hat trick. For more on the match, see this earlier post.
In the later match, Germany statistically dominated China, but only got one of its four goal during the run of play. And, that was an own goal on a dangerous cross into the six yard box. The other three goals were all on set pieces: two free kicks and a stoppage time corner kick.
United States 4, Ghana 0.
USA Goals: own goal (20′), Hayes (50′, 74′, 90+2′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page, U.S. Soccer match report, U.S. Soccer quote sheet, ESPN3.com Replay.
Germany 4, China 0.
GER Goals: Lotzen (3′), Hegenaur (45′), own goal (74′), Wensing (90+1′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page, GER box score, GER write-up.
On Thursday, August 23rd, Group D action continues with Germany playing Ghana and the United States facing China. The USA’s match kicks off at 6:00 a.m EDT, with coverage beginning on ESPNU and ESPN3.com ten minutes earlier.
* * *
THE NEXT MATCH DAY: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22ND
GROUP A — The two winners from the first match day for this group, New Zealand and host Japan will face off at 6:20 a.m. EDT (ESPNU/ESPN3). New Zealand should offer more of a challenge for the hosts than their under-performing opening opponent, Mexico. The speed of the Young Ferns’ forwards, Hannah Wilkinson and Rosie White, will be an issue for Japan’s back line. So, although Japan will most likely dominate possession, New Zealand appears more than capable of capitalizing on counter-attacks, which should produce a more entertaining match, and perhaps a draw for the Young Ferns, if not an upset. The earlier match in the group is between Mexico and Switzerland, both of whom are in need of a win to have any realistic chance of making the knock-out stage.
GROUP B — Kicking off at 2:00 a.m. EDT (ESPNU/ESPN3), Brazil takes on Nigeria in the marquee match of the group. Brazil, who only earned a lone point for its 1:1 draw with Italy will be looking for a win to keep its chances of making the quarterfinals realistic. Nigeria, who are coming off a 2:0 win over South Korea, will be wanting a victory, which will secure the African squad a knock-out stage berth. The other match, Italy vs. South Korea, appears to be a fairly even match-up, although Italy will probably prevail.
Women's Soccer Express 