ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – Mexico are on their way to the knockout round of the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica thanks to a 1-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday night at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela.
Heading into the match, only a win would suffice for El Tricolor and after a scoreless first half, the game’s lone goal would arrive in the 59’, as Alexia Villanueva cleaned up a loose ball in front of net with a right-footed volley to earn her side a 1-0 lead.
GK Celeste Espino was rock solid in goal making a bevy of big saves to secure the clean sheet victory and a place in the quarterfinals.
In the other match of the night involving Concacaf sides, host nation Costa Rica saw their World Cup come to a close in a 5-0 defeat to Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.
While it was their third defeat of the tournament, there was a highlight from GK Genesis Perez, who saved a Brazil penalty kick, much to the delight of the home fans.
The other two Concacaf representatives in the U20 Women’s World Cup will take the field on Wednesday in hopes of securing a knockout round berth.
In Group D, the United States will duel with group leaders Japan at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. An array of results could see the U.S. lay claim to a spot in the quarterfinals.
Currently the reigning Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship winners are in third, but tied on points with the Netherlands (3 points) and three points behind Japan (6 points). The Dutch own the better goal difference by two goals, so the U.S. will be aiming for a win and a Netherlands stumble against Ghana.
Canada will close out their campaign in Group C against Nigeria at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto as well. Two losses in their first two matches have resulted in elimination for Canada, however a chance to finish on a high note presents itself against the Nigerians.
