Spain delivered a powerful blow of authority on Wednesday at the start of the eighth edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which it is organizing for the first time Dominican Republic when leaving the canvas USAanother candidate for the title.
The disgusting heat in the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros This influenced the performance of eight debutant teams in groups A and B.
Colombia, who in the 2022 Indian edition lost in the final with Spainthis year he assembled an experienced team with a double pretense that started strong, but fell against the South Korean wall.
The hosts suddenly woke up from the dream of the World Cup with a big defeat against Ecuadorwhich at first seems like a favorite, as well as the choice of Nigeriawithout regard to New Zealand.
Melani Travers woke up early with a goal of her own and gave Spain a scare
The first goal of the U-17 Women’s World Cup came 3 minutes after the opening whistle, but the ball accidentally carried by American defender Jocelyn Elise Travers ended up in the back of her own goal.
After a quick start, Spain turned on the attack and a quick collective play saw Celia Segura unleash a shot that goalkeeper Molly Vapensky turned into the left upright. The ball hit Travers and hit the back of the net.
The Stars and Stripes team assimilated the blow very well, adjusted their lines and on 22 minutes left everything the same through Melanie Bárcenas.
Spain decided to fight back in the second half, while the United States increased the pressure, but the annoying heat got to the North Americans on the field of the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo.
In the 70th minute, a blink of the team’s defense led by Katie Schoepfer ended with Noa Ortega scoring. Heavy blow, but there was more, and 13 minutes later Alba Cerrato put the icing on the cake for a lucky 3-1 victory.
Colombia was left without an answer
At the end of the activity in group B, the Colombian team got a tie that seemed to have little taste, because in just eight minutes it went from the euphoria of the goal of Ella Grace Martínez (m.28) to the tie obtained by South Korea by a penalty taken by Casey Phair.
The Cafetera formation lost its momentum at the end of the first half and throughout the second half it tried every avenue to reach the opposition goal with danger.
Carlos Paniagua looked for resources on the bench, but his teammate Eun-Jung Kim was satisfied with the result.
The second day of Group B will take place this Saturday. Spain will open the program against South Korea and Colombia will close against a weakened United States team.
The hosts stumble against Ecuador
At the Cibao stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, forward Jaslym Valverde emerged this Wednesday, with just 15 minutes of play, as the first top scorer of the U-17 World Cup.
The opposition of the Dominicans lasted 14 minutes, during which Valverde appeared to establish 0-1. The Ecuadorian team took the gaps, kept themselves in defense and opted for the counter attack.
Betzaida Ubri’s students tried to shake off the dust, but the pressure they hoped to exert, also protected by their perfect adaptation to heat and humidity, was left in the intention when they received a second blow from La Tri in 29th minute.
The second day, scheduled for this Saturday, will see a winner-takes-all clash between Nigeria and Ecuador, before the hosts face off against New Zealand.
Nigeria left its business card
Hours earlier, Nigeria inflicted an unpleasant 4-1 win on New Zealand at the start of Group A activity.
The match played in front of 1,040 spectators at the Cibao stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second city of the Dominican Republic, could have done without the second half, as the African team opened a 0-3 lead before the halftime.
New Zealand’s fightback lasted just 2 minutes thanks to Shakirat Abidemi Moshood. Khadijat Tawo Adegoke stepped up in the 13th minute and before half time Faridad Opeyemi Abdulwahab scored the equalizer.
Bankole Olowookere’s side took their foot off the accelerator in the second half, and still went up in the 55th minute with a goal from Taiwo Afolabi. Just 5 minutes later the team scored a goal led by Alana Gunn against Hannah Saxon.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
