(FIFA.com) Tuesday 21 August 2012
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The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 will see the second round of group matches commence on Wednesday, with several teams already on the precipice. Mexico, Switzerland and Korea Republic have little margin for error after opening day defeats, and each face the possibility of early elimination if they are again conquered. Conversely, New Zealand, Nigeria and hosts Japan could advance should results go their way.
Match of the day Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, Wednesday 22 August, 19.20 (local time) As was the case last Sunday, the matchday will conclude with Japan taking the field in what is expected to be another buoyant Miyagi crowd. Japan showed in their impressive 4-1 win over Mexico, that the next generation of talent possess similar technical attributes to the senior side, the current world champions. Their opponents, New Zealand, may not have the same possession-based style but have significant experience on the world stage, and, in their 2-1 win over Switzerland displayed a confidence not always seen by Kiwis teams at this level. Top spot awaits the victor, while the two teams will know qualification for the quarter-finals is up for grabs should the earlier Group A match end in stalemate.
Other highlights It will be a contrast in styles when Italy take on Korea Republic in their Group B contest in Saitama. Italy displayed organisation and determination against Brazil only to unluckily be denied a win by their opponents equalised deep into injury time. Korea Republic, for their part, showed plenty of encouraging signs when in possession, despite their defeat against Nigeria.
Match of the day Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, Wednesday 22 August, 19.20 (local time) As was the case last Sunday, the matchday will conclude with Japan taking the field in what is expected to be another buoyant Miyagi crowd. Japan showed in their impressive 4-1 win over Mexico, that the next generation of talent possess similar technical attributes to the senior side, the current world champions. Their opponents, New Zealand, may not have the same possession-based style but have significant experience on the world stage, and, in their 2-1 win over Switzerland displayed a confidence not always seen by Kiwis teams at this level. Top spot awaits the victor, while the two teams will know qualification for the quarter-finals is up for grabs should the earlier Group A match end in stalemate.
Other highlights It will be a contrast in styles when Italy take on Korea Republic in their Group B contest in Saitama. Italy displayed organisation and determination against Brazil only to unluckily be denied a win by their opponents equalised deep into injury time. Korea Republic, for their part, showed plenty of encouraging signs when in possession, despite their defeat against Nigeria.
For their part, Nigeria can guarantee progression with victory against Brazil, after a powerful win against Korea Republic. Brazil coach Caio Couto, meanwhile, will be looking for more from his senior players after an indifferent opening outing against Italy.
Switzerland and Mexico will be desperate for all three points after opening day defeats, with a loss spelling the end of the road should the other Group A match end in a draw. Nevertheless, both showed glimpses of form in attack and will be looking for further improvement with first day nerves out of the way.
Player to watch Winner of the adidas Silver Ball and adidas Bronze Boot at the 2010 U-17 Women’s World Cup, Japan’s Kumi Yokoyama will be eager to show her wares after starting on the bench against Mexico. Two years ago Yokoyama famously scored a majestic individual goal, reminiscent of Diego Maradona in his pomp, and the diminutive midfielder reminded coach Hiroshi Yoshida of her rare skills with a stunning strike against Mexico after entering the fray as a substitute.
The stat
6 – One more goal for Ebere Orji will lift the Nigerian to six strikes in her third FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, alongside New Zealand’s Rosie White who is the current top-scorer amongst players at Japan 2012.
The words "Facing Japan is going to be a tough game but we're not scared. We prepared very well for this and we consider it as a different challenge than our first game,” New Zealand striker Rosie White
The Schedule Wednesday 22 August (all times are local)
Group A Mexico-Switzerland, Miyagi, 16.20
Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, 19.20
The stat
6 – One more goal for Ebere Orji will lift the Nigerian to six strikes in her third FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, alongside New Zealand’s Rosie White who is the current top-scorer amongst players at Japan 2012.
The words "Facing Japan is going to be a tough game but we're not scared. We prepared very well for this and we consider it as a different challenge than our first game,” New Zealand striker Rosie White
The Schedule Wednesday 22 August (all times are local)
Group A Mexico-Switzerland, Miyagi, 16.20
Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, 19.20
Former champs shine amid goal rush
Monday 20 August 2012
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THE DAY REPLAYED – While the first day’s action at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 was notable for close-fought encounters and a solitary emphatic win, the second day of games could hardly have been more different. All four matches ended in comprehensive victories, with Canada helping themselves to six of the day’s 20-goal total in their thrashing of Argentina.
As the goals flew in from all angles, USA’s Maya Hayes and Canada’s Adriana Leon had most to celebrate by scoring hat-tricks – taking both to the top of the scorers’ charts at this early stage. We sum up the highlights of a day on which there was also room for red cards, penalties and rather a lot of direct football, a style of play that proved particularly decisive in Korea DPR’s win over Norway.
Results
Group C
Korea DPR 4-2 Norway
Argentina 0-6 Canada
Group D
Ghana 0-4 USA
Germany 4-0 China PR
Gol of the day
Canada-Argentina, Adriana Leon, 42’
During a first period when Canada totally overwhelmed La Albiceleste, the Canucks’ fourth goal of the game was an accurate reflection of just how dominant they were. After an impressive short-passing build-up from the back through midfield, Jaclyn Sawicki picked out Leon in space between two Argentinian defenders. Showing class aplenty, the attacker brought the ball under control, strode into the area and sent a fine shot across keeper Laurina Oliveros and into the top corner.
Memorable moments
Penalties that changed games
Helping pave the way to Group C victories for both Korea DPR and Canada were first-half penalties, with each spot-kick having a weighty impact in how the games turned out. For the Asian outfit, Yun Hyon Hi’s penalty enabled them to retake the lead after the Norwegians had levelled the scores, while the incident leading to the Canucks’ seventh-minute opener was even more decisive. The penalty award led to a red card for Argentina defender Agustina Barroso – the second fastest sending off at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup – and left La Albiceleste extremely vulnerable at the back throughout.
Direct tactics bear fruit
In the day’s first two games, United States and Korea DPR both opted for the aerial route on a host of occasions, with positive results. Stars and Stripes front-runner Hayes notched twice as a consequence of high balls into the box, while Yun Hyon Hi and Kim Un Hwa got on the end of inch-perfect crosses to head home two of the North Koreans’ four goals.
Hard lessons for new faces
Though there are a number of players at this FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with previous experience of a FIFA finals, there are also those who are taking their first steps at this level. One of those is the competition’s youngest player, Argentina’s Erika Cabrera, who at the age of 15 years and 33 days came off the bench in the second half with her side already five goals down against Canada. Ghana, the squad with the joint lowest average age at this competition – 18 years and seven months – alongside Switzerland, will also have mixed feelings following their thrashing by United States and will need to toughen up fast to stay in the hunt for a place in the next round.
Olympic feel to Hiroshima
Even though there was no flame, the cauldron at the Hiroshima Big Arch stadium – which was constructed in 1992 and helped host the Asian Games in 1994 – gave Monday’s two games at the venue a hint of an Olympic feel. And the atmosphere appeared to buoy the young American players, who kicked off their bid to emulate the women's senior side – gold medallists at London 2012 – with a 4-0 opening win.
Stat of the day
3 – Scorers of hat-tricks in the day’s games, the exploits of USA’s Maya Hayes and Canada’s Adriana Leon mean they became the third players from their respective countries to achieve the feat at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
The words “We played our best, we worked very hard, but still, I think we haven’t reached our best level yet. Winning the group is not our goal here in Japan. We’re here to reach the final, and we won’t be satisfied after any game until we have reached this goal.” Korea DPR coach Sin Ui Gun
Next up Wednesday 22 August (all times are local)
Group A Mexico-Switzerland, Miyagi, 16.20
Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, 19.20
Group B Brazil-Nigeria, Saitama, 15.00
Italy-Korea Republic, Saitama, 18.00
As the goals flew in from all angles, USA’s Maya Hayes and Canada’s Adriana Leon had most to celebrate by scoring hat-tricks – taking both to the top of the scorers’ charts at this early stage. We sum up the highlights of a day on which there was also room for red cards, penalties and rather a lot of direct football, a style of play that proved particularly decisive in Korea DPR’s win over Norway.
Results
Group C
Korea DPR 4-2 Norway
Argentina 0-6 Canada
Group D
Ghana 0-4 USA
Germany 4-0 China PR
Gol of the day
Canada-Argentina, Adriana Leon, 42’
During a first period when Canada totally overwhelmed La Albiceleste, the Canucks’ fourth goal of the game was an accurate reflection of just how dominant they were. After an impressive short-passing build-up from the back through midfield, Jaclyn Sawicki picked out Leon in space between two Argentinian defenders. Showing class aplenty, the attacker brought the ball under control, strode into the area and sent a fine shot across keeper Laurina Oliveros and into the top corner.
Memorable moments
Penalties that changed games
Helping pave the way to Group C victories for both Korea DPR and Canada were first-half penalties, with each spot-kick having a weighty impact in how the games turned out. For the Asian outfit, Yun Hyon Hi’s penalty enabled them to retake the lead after the Norwegians had levelled the scores, while the incident leading to the Canucks’ seventh-minute opener was even more decisive. The penalty award led to a red card for Argentina defender Agustina Barroso – the second fastest sending off at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup – and left La Albiceleste extremely vulnerable at the back throughout.
Direct tactics bear fruit
In the day’s first two games, United States and Korea DPR both opted for the aerial route on a host of occasions, with positive results. Stars and Stripes front-runner Hayes notched twice as a consequence of high balls into the box, while Yun Hyon Hi and Kim Un Hwa got on the end of inch-perfect crosses to head home two of the North Koreans’ four goals.
Hard lessons for new faces
Though there are a number of players at this FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with previous experience of a FIFA finals, there are also those who are taking their first steps at this level. One of those is the competition’s youngest player, Argentina’s Erika Cabrera, who at the age of 15 years and 33 days came off the bench in the second half with her side already five goals down against Canada. Ghana, the squad with the joint lowest average age at this competition – 18 years and seven months – alongside Switzerland, will also have mixed feelings following their thrashing by United States and will need to toughen up fast to stay in the hunt for a place in the next round.
Olympic feel to Hiroshima
Even though there was no flame, the cauldron at the Hiroshima Big Arch stadium – which was constructed in 1992 and helped host the Asian Games in 1994 – gave Monday’s two games at the venue a hint of an Olympic feel. And the atmosphere appeared to buoy the young American players, who kicked off their bid to emulate the women's senior side – gold medallists at London 2012 – with a 4-0 opening win.
Stat of the day
3 – Scorers of hat-tricks in the day’s games, the exploits of USA’s Maya Hayes and Canada’s Adriana Leon mean they became the third players from their respective countries to achieve the feat at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
The words “We played our best, we worked very hard, but still, I think we haven’t reached our best level yet. Winning the group is not our goal here in Japan. We’re here to reach the final, and we won’t be satisfied after any game until we have reached this goal.” Korea DPR coach Sin Ui Gun
Next up Wednesday 22 August (all times are local)
Group A Mexico-Switzerland, Miyagi, 16.20
Japan-New Zealand, Miyagi, 19.20
Group B Brazil-Nigeria, Saitama, 15.00
Italy-Korea Republic, Saitama, 18.00
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