On the eve of their match, Spain coach Kenio Gonzalo wished his crew to play daring soccer and luxuriate in each second. That’s what the gamers did as they kicked-off their title defence within the FIFA Underneath-17 Girls’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Colombia in Group C on the DY Patil Stadium right here.
Within the group’s opening match, essential saves from China goalkeeper Chen Liu, together with one in stoppage time, ensured they received 2-1 in opposition to the 2018 runners-up Mexico.
Spain’s 1-0 scoreline might counsel it was an in depth match, however the holders dominated all through, displaying why they’re among the many favourites.
La Roja confirmed nice ball management and dominated possession. In an in any other case scientific show the one factor they lacked was extra objectives. Colombia had their moments however as the sport progressed, they couldn’t match the standard of Spain.
Spain’s aim got here via substitute Jone Amazaga within the Eighty fifth-minute, however they by no means stopped believing and continued attacking. Barcelona midfielder Vicky Lopez was their most spectacular participant and she or he pulled the strings.
The one time Colombia threatened the Spanish aim was early within the match however Yesica Munzo’s strike was properly saved by goalkeeper Sofia Fuente.
Because the match progressed, Spain took management, although the aim did not arrive until late. Within the twenty third minute, Lopez couldn’t end off a transfer she began within the midfield, lobbing the ball over the bar. She thought she had scored within the second half, however the strike was dominated out by VAR for handball.
Towards China, Mexico dominated the primary half however could not rating. Alice Soto’s and Maribel Flores’s early photographs have been saved by Liu. Mexico’s greatest probability got here within the thirty fifth minute once they have been awarded a penalty, however ahead Flores went for energy and struck the crossbar. Thereafter, Mexico’s recreation fizzled out and China confirmed self-discipline to tie them down within the midfield.
Within the second half, China have been extra aggressive and pressed arduous each time Mexico had possession. The technique labored as they pushed the Mexicans deep into their half and received a penalty within the forty ninth minute, which was transformed by skipper Qiao Ruiqi, who went for precision and slotted it within the nook.
Fatima Servin’s long-ranger, saved by Liu, was the one clear-cut shot at aim Mexico produced in regulation time.
China thought that they had sealed the match within the ninetieth minute when Yu Xingyue scored off a silky go from Ge Yu which reduce open the Mexico defence. However Mexico piled on the stress in damage time and pulled one again via Katherin Guijarro earlier than her effort from exterior the field was saved by Liu, which sealed China’s win. The beginning of the match was delayed by 10 minutes due the lightning.