2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup

The Spaniards dominated the first half in its match against Canada at the Bava park.

With the setting sun behind them, they registered their first goal in the opening minutes of the match with a kick from number 9, Lucia Gomez.

The side captained by No. 7, Nahikari Garcia,  had more possession of the ball in the first half than the Canadians.

Canada's defenders came under heavy attack in the first half with Spain having more attempts at the goalmouth.

The Spaniards found the net again at the 30th minute with a kick from No. 20, Lucia Garcia.

The first match officially kicked off at 4pm between Sweden and Korea DPR in front of thousands of soccer fans at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Sweden, in yellow and blue, is led by Captain Anna Oskarsson.

Korea DPR, in red jerseys, is led by Captain Sol Gyong Choe.

Both captains did the handshake for peace before the match kicked off.

This is a campaign initiated by FIFA and the Nobel Peace Center.

Supporters from both countries are out in numbers wearing their country colours and carrying their flags to cheer their teams on.

“During your stay here, you will learn that our country is very diverse in culture, language and rituals and is still developing,” says Chung, who is also the chairman of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup organising committee.

“For many months we have been working very hard to build stadiums, fields and infrastructure to host this tournament, why?

“We may not be able to match the world class facilities that you see in Europe but what we bring here is our patience for football, our culture and our pride for hosting this prestigious event.”

Speaking to Loop PNG today, NCD metropolitan police commander Ben Turi says operational orders have been given out.

He adds that all of the respective metropolitan stations are now out in full operations to ensure that the FIFA event runs smoothly.

Turi is confident that the city will cooperate to ensure that all visitors are made welcome and enjoy their stay here.

He says foot beats to road checks, as well random vehicle stops, are now being carried out in Port Moresby.

As of Thursday this week, grandstand tickets have been sold out, with only outer stand and the goal post tickets still available.

CEO of the Local Organising Committee, Seamus Marten said the response from the public was overwhelming and encouraged those that missed out on grandstand tickets to get in quick to avoid missing out. 

There will be a ten-minute kick off ceremony after the match between Korea DPR and Sweden where a taste of Papua New Guinea’s culture will be showcased to the visiting guests and FIFA. 

Papua New Guinea today has finally named its 21-U20 women’s squad from the 26 men train on squad.

The list has been announced after months of intensive training in Goroka camp, friendlies against Japan and New Zealand and overseas exposure trials in New Zealand and the United States.

The team includes;  

The LOC today conducted a media briefing between the media organisations and the Venue Local Organising (VLO) committees at the national football stadium in Port Moresby.

The VLOC’s were made up of more than 40 UPNG first year to final year journalism students that will be positioned in the four venues for where the games will be played.

The LOC media team briefed the parties on the conducts and FIFA requirements for the games coverage explaining the roles of each party’s during the game.

Discussions have been held with the respective stake holders and a joint committee has been created.

The committee is made up of the members of the force with Royal PNG Constabulary as the lead agency for the public security and plan as well as the national Maritime and Safety Authority, National Security Advisory Council and PNG Fire Service.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi say that residents in Port Moresby should take heed of warnings from police as roadblocks will be conducted on at random times and places in the city leading up to the World Cup next month.

There are 16 women referees and 27 women assistant referees from 32 different countries who will take charge of the matches. 

The VIP & Corporate catering contracts were signed yesterday by the two leading hoteliers and restaurateurs.

Lamana Hotel and Beachside Brasserie will provide high quality food and beverage to all local and international VIPs and corporate guests throughout the three-week tournament.

Local Organising Committee (LOC), Chief Executive Officer Seamus Marten, says both companies have fulfilled all of FIFA’s requirements in terms of food range and specifications during their successful taste testing sessions.