Veronica Charlyn Corral (pictured) has played in three FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups and will be making her second appearance in a FIFA Women's World Cup. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONCTON, Canada – Mexico launches its 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup odyssey on Tuesday with a meeting against Colombia at Moncton Stadium.
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of the game:
1) Mexico looking for first World Cup win
After booking its ticket to Canada by overcoming Trinidad & Tobago in a thrilling match for third place in the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, Mexico have visions of three points dancing in its head. Despite some brave performances in the 2011 edition, including hard-fought draws against England and New Zealand, the Tricolor has never tasted a World Cup victory, compiling an overall 0W-2D-4L tournament record. All that could change on Tuesday, however, as the Mexicans enter their maiden 2015 tilt on a good run of form, having won seven of their last ten matches, including victories over CONCACAF rival Costa Rica, as well as Italy, Ecuador, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
2) Huge opportunity for both teams
The time is now. With two teams ranked in the top seven of the latest FIFA World Rankings (England and France) still to play in Group F, Tuesday’s clash between Mexico and Las Cafeteras represents a huge opportunity for both squads to stake an early place at the top of the table. While three points would put both teams in a favorable position to advance, walking away from the opener with nothing would be a devastating blow to either side’s dream of playing in the knockout stages. Further ratcheting up the excitement is the tournament’s new expanded format, which now allows four third-place teams to advance to the round of 16. A draw would still leave everything to play for, a win would put either team on the cusp of history.
3) Corral could be the difference maker
There is an air of confidence around the Mexican team. While some of the squad’s new-found swagger can be attributed to their recent string of good results, much of it also has to do with the play of striker Veronica Charlyn Corral. The 23-year-old was stellar at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, scoring four goals, including two scintillating extra-time strikes against Trinidad & Tobago that secured her team’s place in Canada. The all-time leading scorer in CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship history, Corral is now shouldering much of the senior team’s attacking responsibilities, a task that has only increased following the retirement of legendary goal-getter, Maribel Dominguez. A true match-winner, Corral made her debut for Mexico at just 13 years old.