Costa Rica 2022: Holders Off To A Positive Start As African Representatives Get Contrasting Results
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
Defending Champions, Japan pipped The Netherlands 1-0 to open its Costa Rica 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign on a positive note on Thursday at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
More Details
Japan whose only defeat on its way to winning the 2018 title came against Spain in the second group game decided to take the European opponent seriously in its Group D opener.
The Netherlands lost all four friendly games leading to the game against Mexico (1-0), France (1-0), USA (5-4 on penalties), and Germany (1-0).
Yuzuki Yamamoto’s 23rd-minute goal was enough to hand Japan a perfect start to its title defence.
LATEST POSTS
- Mount Returns, Zirkzee Benched: Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
- NWSL Pushes Ahead With “High Impact Player” Rule Despite Players’ Union Objections
- Semenyo Urged To Reject Elite Transfer To Avoid Grealish-Style Stagnation
- AFCON 2025 Match Preview: Gabon vs Ivory Coast
- AFCON 2025 Match Preview: Sudan vs Burkina Faso
Earlier on, the United States of America (USA) defeated ten-players Black Princess of Ghana 3-0 to move to the top of Group D.
Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson, and Allyson Sentnor scored for the Americans as Jacqueline Owusu received a red card in the 31st minute.
Meanwhile…
Nigeria edged France 1-0 in the opening Group C game in the early hours of Friday at the Estadio National de Costa Rica, San Jose.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Beach Soccer League: Issues And Prospect
Flourish Sabastine scored the solitary goal for the two-time beaten finalist to open its campaign on a winning note.
South Korea later on upended Canada 2-0 in the second Group C game.
Brooklyn Courtnall’s own goal and Hae-Yeon Moon’s strike were enough to hand South Korea an opening game win over Canada to top Group C.
Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
