Yesterday’s Highlights – Stats of the Day
– Japan’s 4-1 success against Mexico is their biggest win in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
– Rosie White is the second player to have scored in three different editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The New Zealand forward follows in the footsteps of Mexico’s Charlyn Corral, who found the net in the 2006, 2008 and 2010 campaigns.
– Switzerland recorded their seventh defeat in seven matches played at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
– Three of the 12 goals scored on the first matchday came in second-half stoppage time, with substitutes on target four times.
– Brazil also bagged a crucial late goal in their previous meeting with Italy at this event, in 2004. On that occasion Kelly netted six minutes from the end to hand the South Americans a 2-1 victory, whereas this time her compatriot Amanda struck in the second minute of injury time to salvage a 1-1 draw.
– Nigeria are unbeaten in their last eight group-stage matches, having strung together five victories and three draws in the first round since losing 3-0 to China PR in their second game at the 2006 event
Today’s Matches
Group C – Kobe Home’s Stadium
16.00 Korea DPR v. Norway
Korea DPR’s Yun Song Mi was present at the pair’s previous encounter in the 2008 edition, albeit as an unused substitute. The East Asian side emerged 3-2 victors on that occasion.
19.00 Argentina v. Canada
This is the third FIFA competition in which Argentina and Canada have crossed paths. The CONCACAF side came out on top in both previous meetings, winning 3-0 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 and 2-1 in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament 2008.No previous Women’s U20 head-to-heads.
Group D – Hiroshima –
16.00 Ghana v. USA
USA are on an unbeaten streak stretching back seven games, following a 2-0 reverse against China PR in 2008. Their current run includes a 1-1 draw with Ghana in the last edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
19.00 Germany v. China PR
The only reigning champions to have kicked off the defence of their title with a win were USA at the 2004 finals, when they opened with a 3-0 victory over Korea Republic. By contrast, Germany lost 2-0 to Korea DPR in 2006 and Korea DPR were themselves defeated 3-2 by Brazil in 2008, while USA drew 1-1 with Ghana in 2010.