Canada, Mexico get first wins in U-20 Women's World Cup

MIAMI ­– Mexico and Canada earned victories as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 continued on Tuesday.

Mexico defeated Australia 2-nil in Bogotá, while Canada defeated Fiji 9-nil in Medellín. The two Concacaf nations improved to four points after each tied in their first encounters to start the tournament.

Mexico defeats Australia

In a first-ever meeting at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, Mexico won 2-nil against Australia in Group A at Estadio Nemesio Camacho 'El Campin' in Bogotá, Colombia.

Australia had a chance to take the lead after Isabela Esquivias committed a handball in the box in the 35’, but evaded the danger as Khali Johson sent the ball over the crossbar in the spot kick attempt.

Fatima Servin finally broke the deadlock in the 57’, with an assist from Monse Saldivar, sending a right-footed touch for the opening goal.

Mexico doubled its lead in the 90’+1’ on a free kick as Alejandra Lomeli sent the ball to the back of the net. Ana Mendoza provided the service for the insurance goal.

With four points in hand, Mexico rose to second place in Group A after the victory. The Mexican contingent will face hosts Colombia with first place at stake on Friday.

Canada offense on display against Fiji

Canada won 9-nil against Fiji in Group B at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, Colombia.

Olivia Smith scored the first goal in the 7’ after getting past defenders and shooting in the box into the center of the net.

Annabell Chukwu struck the bottom left corner of goal in the 24’ to double the lead, connecting on a service from Kayla Briggs.

Smith doubled her tally in the 28’ with a shot from outside the box to increase Canada’s lead.

Briggs added her name to the scoresheet in the 32’, scoring off a volley past for the Canucks’ fourth goal.

Chukwu scored again in the 34’, after meeting a pass from Amanda Allen in front of Fiji goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma, to get the ball in the net.

Briggs scored the sixth goal of the night in the 35’, adding a brace to her performance, as Chukwu provided the assist. 

Chukwu sealed her hat-trick in the 41’, the seventh for Canada, when she shot from the right side of the box. It marks the forward’s fourth goal in the tournament after scoring in the opening match, which helped her become the all-time women’s youth goals leader for Canada, with 29 goals.

Ella Ottey scored in the 54’ to increase the lead by eight.

Ella McBride scored her first goal of the tournament and ninth for Canada from long distance in the 67’ to put a bow on the victory.

Canada’s victory places the nation in second in Group B with four points. The Canadians will meet group leaders Brazil on Friday with first place at stake.

USA, Costa Rica seek victories

The United States will look to get their first three points against Morocco on Wednesday evening at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia when Group C resumes.

Costa Rica meet Korea DPR in Group F action on Thursday at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia, also looking for its first victory of the 2024 edition.