Falconets set to fly over Italy
Victory for the Falconets will take them to the top of Group B after beating Korea Republic 2-0 in the opening match and drawing 1-1 with Brazil in a match they stood a good chance of winning. Group B comprising of Nigeria, Italy, Brazil and Korea Republic is the tighter with all four sides in […]
Victory for the Falconets will take them to the top of Group B after beating Korea Republic 2-0 in the opening match and drawing 1-1 with Brazil in a match they stood a good chance of winning.
Group B comprising of Nigeria, Italy, Brazil and Korea Republic is the tighter with all four sides in contention, though bottom-placed Italy need to win and hope the result in the other game in the section goes their way.
While Brazil and Korea Republic do battle in Tokyo, Group B leaders Falconets will look to seal their qualification against an Italy side that has collected more red cards (three, including one for coach Corrado Corradini) than points and goals scored (one each). Even if they beat the Africans, the Azzurrine could still go out on goal difference.
Still without a win, Brazil are nevertheless unbeaten, having snatched dramatic late draws against both Italy and Nigeria. A repeat in this game will be fatal for Caio Couto’s charges, who have no option but to win if they are to progress.
Their South Korean opponents atoned for an opening-day reverse at the hands of Nigeria by seeing off the Italians, quickly rediscovering their eye for goal. A win will take the Asians through, although a draw may be enough, depending on the result of the other game.
In the other group, Switzerland are already out of the running following back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Mexico. Their only incentive in their final game against Japan is to secure their first ever points in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, while the Young Nadeshiko will be out to avoid the kind of shock they received in going 2-0 down to the Kiwis in their last outing, which ended with honours even.
The New Zealanders hold the advantage going into their make-or-break match with the Mexicans and need just a point to make sure of a place in the last eight. A draw would only suit Las Aztecas in the event that Japan lose to the Swiss. Given the fact that seems unlikely to happen, the Mexicans will be doing all they can to win.