San Jose: Australia U-20 Women defeated Costa Rica U-20 by 3-1 at Estadio Nacional Stadium, San Jose. The Young Matildas claim their first victory in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2022. Both Australia and Costa Rica are returning to the tournament after an absence in the 2018 World Cup.
Costa Rica enjoyed a brief lead before the game slipped away. In the nineteenth minute, Captain Alexandra Pinell put the Central Americans on top with a free kick. Pinell kicked the ball into the net form 40 yards away. It also has the chance of being the goal of the tournament. Soon enough, Sarah Hunter equalized the lead with a penalty at the 37th minute.
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Costa Rica keeper Genesis Perez Watson showed signs off shakiness as the Australia u-20 Women marched in with hard bargains. A cross not only slipped through Watson but fell directly into Australians foot. Western Sydney Wanderers FC Forward Bryleeh Henry put Australia into the lead just after a minute.After the break, the young Australians did not keep cool. Costa Rica retreated under the insistent Australia pressure.
In the 72nd minute, Kirsty Fenton took a chance at a corner kick to delve the ball right into the Costa Rican net. Also, Fenton’s goal gave the green and gold a top chance at victory. The Australians now are on top of the group with 3 points and a 2 goal difference. All eyes are on the Young Matildas as the team is lead by Blayney. The coach is the first female to ever coach a World Cup Squad.
In other fixtures, Spain and Brazil drew in a goalless match. In Group B, Colombia beat former champions Germany by 1-0. The Mexicans and the Kiwis drew by 1-1. Costa Rica’s next fixture is Spain on Saturday followed by the match against continental rivals Brazil on Tuesday. On the other hand, The Australia U-20 Women meets Brazil on Saturday and Spain on Tuesday.
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