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Germany have made a statement of intent at Japan 2012 by defeating long-term rivals USA 3-0 with a impressive display in Miyagi.
Despite the fact it was a dead-rubber for Germany, who were already assured of a last eight berth, the Europeans inflicted a worst-ever defeat for USA at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
USA, conversely, went into the match requiring a draw to be guaranteed of progress, although third-placed China PR needed to make up an eight-goal deficit.
Despite that backdrop it was Germany who slowly gained a stranglehold, before eventually storming to an unassailable lead with three quickfire goals either side of half-time.
Lena Lotzen bagged a double, while Melanie Leupolz iced the cake ten minutes after coming on at the break.
Victory confirmed Germany’s spot as group winners, while USA, after suffering their heaviest defeat at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, are consigned to second in Group D.
The opening half-hour gave no indication of the one-sided scoreline that was to follow with both teams sharing possession statistics.
However, the deadlock was broken ten minutes before the interval after a defensive error allowed Lotzen to latch onto a loose ball and bravely loop a header over onrushing goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin.
USA barely had time to settle following the second half restart before they were three goals down.
Firstly, Lotzen pushed home from close range after Heaberlin failed to hold a Lina Magull effort eight minutes after the break.
Then just two minutes later Leupolz cracked home a fine volley from 15 metres after the United States defence again failed to clear their lines.
USA occasionally looked dangerous at the other end, mostly through striker Maya Hayes, but their attacking threat was largely limited.
Dzsenifer Marozsan came close to laying claim to goal of the tournament, but her long-range high effort from close to halfway narrowly missed the target.
The result means Germany will face Norway in Saitama, while USA will tackle Korea DPR at the same venue.
Korea DPR set up USA showdown
Monday 27 August 2012
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Korea DPR maintained their 100 per cent record to finish top of Group C following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Canada, who exit the competition.
The Koreans had to survive a scare in Saitama when Christine Exeter outmuscled Pong Son Hwa, turned and fired the Canucks ahead in the 12th minute.
Kim Un Hwa scored her seventh goal in three matches in Japan to restore parity 12 minutes before the break. After being supplied by Jong Myong Mwa, Kim beat two opponents and fired a shot across the box from 18 yards into the far corner.
The second half mirrored the first in terms of possession and territorial advantage. Korea DPR saw more of the ball and controlled the midfield, with right winger Kim Un Hyang looking particularly dangerous.
Korea DPR took the lead 12 minutes from time when Yun Hyon Hi was felled in the box. She stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and made no mistake.
The Canadians slumped to the turf at the end, left to rue their defeat by Norway which ultimately caused their group stage exit. However, the country’s crop of U-20 players will have the opportunity to go one step further on home soil in two year’s time.
Korea DPR’s reward for topping the group is to stay in Saitama for a quarter-final clash against USA on Friday.
China end with win as Ghana edged out again
Monday 27 August 2012
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China PR concluded their campaign at Japan 2012 in winning fashion but their 1-0 victory over Ghana fell way short of what they needed to displace USA from second place in Group D.
In a fairly low key affair, both teams battled the sunny and humid conditions, with Ghana playing only for pride.
China needed a massive victory to overhaul USA with an eight goal deficit separating the teams before the final matchday.
Nevertheless, China played in circumspect fashion and it was Ghana who had the better of the early exchanges.
The always dangerous Florence Dadson hit the crossbar in the early stages and China took until the half-hour mark to mount their first serious attempt on goal.
Ten minutes before the break came the game’s decisive moment as Han Jiayuan received a long pass on the right side of the penalty area, before pulling the ball back for Zhao Xindi to fire home.
The second half saw Ghana with more possession but creating only half-chances at best.
Despite their best endeavours, the Africans ended the tournament without a point or goal.
Norway outlasts spirited Argentina
Monday 27 August 2012
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Norway booked their passage to the last eight at Japan 2012 with a 4-1 win over Argentina, although it took two late goals to make the game safe.
The Norwegians went into the match knowing three points could secure their passage to the quarter-finals for the first time.
The Europeans were dominant throughout and had countless opportunities to score although a hard-working Argentina turned in their best performance of the tournament by far, having shipped 15 goals in their previous two outings.
Emilie Haavi’s volleyed goal on 25 minutes seemed set to open the floodgates but Norway had to wait until 20 minutes from full time to double their advantage, with the silkily-skilled Caroline Hansen thrashing a loose ball home.
Then it was the Argentinians who finally had something to celebrate as Yael Oviedo swept home from close range with eight minutes remaining, following a fumble from goalkeeper Nora Gjoen.
Andrine Hegerberg, and then Ina Skaug in injury time, completed the scoring for what was a fair reflection of the difference between the two teams.
Norway’s second-placed finish in Group C means they will tackle Germany in their quarter-final in Saitama.
Second-half surge sends Mexico through
Sunday 26 August 2012
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Mexico eased into the quarter-finals at the expense of New Zealand courtesy of second-half strikes from Sofia Huerta, Natalia Gomez Junco, Yamile Franco and Olivia Jimenez.
The Kiwis held a one-point advantage over Leonardo Cuellar’s side before their encounter in Kobe, but the 4-0 victory ensured the CONCACAF outfit finished second in Group A behind Japan.
Mexico will now face Group B winners Nigeria in Tokyo on Thursday, while defeat signalled the end of New Zealand’s participation at the tournament.
Knowing that only a win would guarantee qualification for the last eight, Mexico started brightly, but it was New Zealand who edged a first half which ended goalless.
Goals were plentiful during the second period, however, as the Mexicans found their shooting boots. Huerta bagged the first two minutes after the restart by taking advantage of some defensive uncertainty.
Three goals in 13 minutes then put the icing on the cake as New Zealand failed to respond. With 16 minutes remaining, Gomez Junco doubled the advantage with a header.
Franco converted another header after 85 minutes and the fourth arrived two minutes later, with Jimenez finishing after New Zealand struggled to clear a free-kick sufficiently.
“After our two first games, we knew that we could play better,” said Mexico coach Leonardo Cuellar. “It was a game to win or die, and we played it like we had to. In the first half, we didn’t provide any gifts, we were very serious, and in the second half, we had to give everything to win.
“I wasn’t surprised by the level of the team, but I’m happy to see that we improved game after game. Our preparation was not easy, and I think that we are starting to know our real level.”
Quarter-finals taking shape
Sunday 26 August 2012
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THE DAY REPLAYED - On the third and final matchday of Groups A and B at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2012, Mexico, Nigeria, Korea Republic and hosts Japan joined defending champions Germany in the last eight.
The Young Nadeshiko celebrated their biggest-ever tournament win against a Swiss side whose hopes of progressing had already been dashed. Inspired by a 16,000-strong crowd, a record attendance in 2012, they hit top form on their first outing in the capital. Elsewhere, Mexico’s victory over New Zealand saw them reach the quarter-finals at their opponent’s expense.
In Group B, the Falconets and the Taeguk Ladies also reached the knockout rounds, having occupied the top two places after Matchday 2. Brazil’s elimination comes as a major surprise, even though they owed their chances of qualifying to two late equalisers against Italy (90+2’) and Nigeria (87’) in their opening games.
The Young Nadeshiko celebrated their biggest-ever tournament win against a Swiss side whose hopes of progressing had already been dashed. Inspired by a 16,000-strong crowd, a record attendance in 2012, they hit top form on their first outing in the capital. Elsewhere, Mexico’s victory over New Zealand saw them reach the quarter-finals at their opponent’s expense.
In Group B, the Falconets and the Taeguk Ladies also reached the knockout rounds, having occupied the top two places after Matchday 2. Brazil’s elimination comes as a major surprise, even though they owed their chances of qualifying to two late equalisers against Italy (90+2’) and Nigeria (87’) in their opening games.
ResultsGroup ASwitzerland 0-4 Japan
Mexico 4-0 New Zealand
Group BItaly 0-4 Nigeria
Korea Republic 2-0 Brazil
Goal of the daySwitzerland-Japan, Yoko Tanaka, 1-0, (30’)
After today’s display, Japan’s opponents will be biting their nails whenever Yoko Tanaka steps up to take a free-kick. Half an hour into the match against Switzerland, the midfielder curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner from 25 yards. As if that were not enough, two minutes into the second half she repeated the trick from a similar position, lifting the ball into the net for her fourth goal of the tournament. She is now Japan’s top scorer in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup history.
Memorable momentsGoing for victory – without a strikerItaly’s situation before their match against Nigeria was clear: they needed to win by at least two goals to stand any chance of progressing. Coach Corrado Corradini opted for an unorthodox tactic in order to achieve this aim, setting his side up with five defenders and five midfielders, but no recognised striker. They ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat.
Mexico 4-0 New Zealand
Group BItaly 0-4 Nigeria
Korea Republic 2-0 Brazil
Goal of the daySwitzerland-Japan, Yoko Tanaka, 1-0, (30’)
After today’s display, Japan’s opponents will be biting their nails whenever Yoko Tanaka steps up to take a free-kick. Half an hour into the match against Switzerland, the midfielder curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner from 25 yards. As if that were not enough, two minutes into the second half she repeated the trick from a similar position, lifting the ball into the net for her fourth goal of the tournament. She is now Japan’s top scorer in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup history.
Memorable momentsGoing for victory – without a strikerItaly’s situation before their match against Nigeria was clear: they needed to win by at least two goals to stand any chance of progressing. Coach Corrado Corradini opted for an unorthodox tactic in order to achieve this aim, setting his side up with five defenders and five midfielders, but no recognised striker. They ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat.
Brazil flatter to deceive
Having arrived in Japan with serious designs on lifting the trophy, the South American champions registered two draws and a defeat to fall at the first hurdle. On the bright side for the Brazilians, Caio Couto’s squad contains a clutch of bright talents who cut their teeth at international level at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012.
Goal rush in Kobe
The fans who have pitched up at the Kobe Univer Stadium in the last few days can have no complaints about entertainment levels. The five matches held at the venue have produced 28 goals in total, 18 of them scored in the first half. The only game that failed to yield a goal in the opening 45 minutes was the meeting between Mexico and New Zealand, though Las Aztecas made up for that after the restart by scoring four times without reply to record their biggest win in a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup match.
Party time for Nigeria
Cheered on by a vociferous band of supporters during their emphatic win over Italy in Kobe, the Falconets kept the party atmosphere going during the Mexico-New Zealand match that followed. Huddled around their hat-trick heroine Francisca Ordega, the Nigerian players celebrated their safe passage to the last eight by dancing and singing in the stands.
The stat
9 - New Zealand’s Rosie White and Bridgette Armstrong appeared in their ninth FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match against Mexico, more than any other Kiwi player in the history of the competition, but still some way behind overall record holder Renata Costa of Brazil with 18 appearances and her compatriot Erika with 15.
The words "I was here for the draw and the city, the country and the people fascinated me. After today's match we went to the Japanese fans in the stadium to say thank you and shook hands with the fans. One spectator wanted to exchange his national football shirt with mine. That's why I have now a Japanese shirt. I play football since I'm five, that’s 37 years, but this was one of the best and most emotional moments which I ever had in my life. Thank you to all the people in Japan. I experienced so many incredible moments here. The team too is impressed how nice all the people are in this country. Japan is now deep in my heart. Thank you."
Switzerland coach Yannick Schwery
Having arrived in Japan with serious designs on lifting the trophy, the South American champions registered two draws and a defeat to fall at the first hurdle. On the bright side for the Brazilians, Caio Couto’s squad contains a clutch of bright talents who cut their teeth at international level at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012.
Goal rush in Kobe
The fans who have pitched up at the Kobe Univer Stadium in the last few days can have no complaints about entertainment levels. The five matches held at the venue have produced 28 goals in total, 18 of them scored in the first half. The only game that failed to yield a goal in the opening 45 minutes was the meeting between Mexico and New Zealand, though Las Aztecas made up for that after the restart by scoring four times without reply to record their biggest win in a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup match.
Party time for Nigeria
Cheered on by a vociferous band of supporters during their emphatic win over Italy in Kobe, the Falconets kept the party atmosphere going during the Mexico-New Zealand match that followed. Huddled around their hat-trick heroine Francisca Ordega, the Nigerian players celebrated their safe passage to the last eight by dancing and singing in the stands.
The stat
9 - New Zealand’s Rosie White and Bridgette Armstrong appeared in their ninth FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match against Mexico, more than any other Kiwi player in the history of the competition, but still some way behind overall record holder Renata Costa of Brazil with 18 appearances and her compatriot Erika with 15.
The words "I was here for the draw and the city, the country and the people fascinated me. After today's match we went to the Japanese fans in the stadium to say thank you and shook hands with the fans. One spectator wanted to exchange his national football shirt with mine. That's why I have now a Japanese shirt. I play football since I'm five, that’s 37 years, but this was one of the best and most emotional moments which I ever had in my life. Thank you to all the people in Japan. I experienced so many incredible moments here. The team too is impressed how nice all the people are in this country. Japan is now deep in my heart. Thank you."
Switzerland coach Yannick Schwery
Next matches Monday 27 August
Group C Norway-Argentina (Miyagi, 19.00)
Canada-Korea DPR (Saitama, 19.00)
Group C Norway-Argentina (Miyagi, 19.00)
Canada-Korea DPR (Saitama, 19.00)
Group D USA-Germany (Miyagi, 16.00)
China PR-Ghana (Saitama, 16.00)
China PR-Ghana (Saitama, 16.00)
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