MUMBAI: China walked away with an unlikely victory as they stunned Mexico 2-1 in the opening match of Group C in the Under-17 Women's World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.
China scored through a 49th minute penalty (Qiao Ruiqi) and a 90th minute field goal (Yu Xingyue) as the skillful Mexican girls self-destructed. An added time own goal gave the scoreline some respectability as Katherin Guijarro's cross from goal line was deflected in.
Mexico, of course, missed a penalty in the 38th minute when Flores Maribel went for glory instead of placement and hit the bar. Even off the rebound, the Mexican hit the post.
Spain break Colombian resistance
MUMBAI: Spain deservedly won 1-0 in a quality clash against a stubborn Colombia, earning three points in a Group C clash. Spain finally broke the Colombian resistance in the 85th minute when a long ball on the right flank found Jone Amezaga with a free run and she cut in to score on the first post. Spain had a goal disallowed early in the second half when Vicky Lopez stole the ball from a defender and scored past the goalkeeper, but after a VAR verdict, it was ruled a foul.
It was an enterprising contest with both the teams throwing everything they had at the opponents. Spain had two lively midfielders, Vicky Lopez, and Paulo Partida, who gave the Colombian defence more than a headache.
Canada, France settle for a point
MARGAO: Canada did enough to hold a dominant France 1-1 in the Group D match at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday. Annabelle Chukwu came off the bench to break the deadlock for Canada in the 67th minute, while Player-of-the Match Lucie Calba equalised for France, six minutes later.
In another match, Japan outclassed Tanzania 4-0. Uno Shiragaki (33') Mao Itamura (67') Ai Tsujisawa (75') Momoko Tanikawa (81') scored for Japan.
