Today’s matches:
In Kobe 16.30:
ITALY v. NIGERIA
The two sides met in the group stage in 2004, battling out a 1-1 draw thanks to Nigerian Akudo Sabi’s goal two minutes from full-time, after Raffaella Manieri had given Italy the lead on 68 minutes.
If Ebere Orji takes to the field she will be playing her 12th match in the competition, equaling the appearance record for a Nigerian player in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which was set by Ulunma Jerome who featured in the 2004, 2006 and 2008 campaigns.
Michela FRANCO (#4) of Italy is suspended for this match.
In Kobe 19.20:
MEXICO v. NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand, who have one win and one draw so far this campaign, have never gone unbeaten for three straight matches in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Mexico scored two of their three goals in the first minute of second-half injury time, through Sofia Huerta in the 4-1 reverse against Japan and Olivia Jimenez in the 2-0 win over Switzerland.
In Tokyo 16.20:
KOREA v. BRAZIL
Brazil have failed to win their opening two matches for the second successive edition of the tournament. Back in 2010 the South Americans followed up a 1-0 defeat by Korea DPR and a 1-1 draw against Sweden with a 4-1 victory over New Zealand, but were unable to prevent their first group-phase elimination from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Korea have never drawn in 11 matches played in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having recorded six wins and five defeats.
In Tokyo 19.20:
SWITZERLAND v. JAPAN
Japan have a positive record in four games played against European opposition in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having accrued three wins plus a defeat by Germany in the 2002 quarter-finals, albeit after extra time.
Switzerland was the first side to be eliminated at the group stage of the 2012 finals, following their loss to Mexico on 22 August. The following day on 23 August, Ghana’s hopes of progressing to the next phase also ceased to be, became no more, curled up the tootsies and joined the choir invisible, etc.. They are an ex-U20WWC team!
