2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup

PNG: We could not believe that we had scored!

This was what the PNG U20 women’s team captain, Yvonne Gabong, revealed to Loop PNG after their Sanap Wantaim march to the parliament on Friday (Nov 25).

Four of the girls, along with coach Lisa Cole, joined NGOs and students to support the campaign for a safe Port Moresby for women and girls.

Loop caught up with Gabong (6, midfielder), Joy Tsuga (19, midfielder), Belinda Giada (12, midfielder) and Margret Joseph (3, defender) just as they were exiting the parliament.

France and Germany ready for showdown

The two European teams will take the field at 7:30pm in what is expected to be a showdown at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

France will be hoping to make the top four once again like they did in the 2014 World Cup in Canada, while Germany is out to defend the Cup.

France coach Gilles Eyquem said earlier that the team is focused on a good defensive game as Germany is a very good team and usually, when they have an opportunity to score, they take it.

PNG Loop's Breakfast Bites

Bail refused for Wobiro, Gumoi and May

http://www.looppng.com/content/bail-refused-wobiro-gumoi-and-may

Bail was refused to Western Governor Ati Wobiro, former Western Provincial Administrator Dr Modowa Gumoi and founder of Fly Care Inc. Norman May today by the Supreme Court.

Government offices close doors on December 23 for festive period

Korea DPR send Spain packing after normal time

The first quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby went down to the last minutes of the match as both countries were tied 2-2 at fulltime.

With the scores locked at the end of normal time, both teams were given an extra 30 minutes to find a winner, and the first 15 minutes did not find one.

In the second half of extra time, Kim who was outside the pack of players, from a corner kick hit the back of the net, after Spain goalkeeper Maria Quinones punch the ball forward. 

Undefeated Korea DPR face Spain in the first quarterfinals this afternoon

And in the second knockout match, Japan and Brazil will fight for survival under the lights at the National Football Stadium.   

The Koreans who topped Group A with three convincing wins over Sweden, Brazil and Papua New Guinea will take a stopping to halt their momentum. 

Spain with a mixed result in their bags with two wins and a defeat will need to take their best defensive game to the field to stop the fast playing Koreans.

The Spanish finished second in  Group B after Japan, both tied on 6 points apiece. 

Japan to come with fresh focus for Brazil match

Japan coach Asako Takakura said following their victory over Canada 5-0, that their next game will be the knockout stage so they will have to win it.

Takakura said if they lose the game their World Cup dream will be over so they will definitely push forward and trust themselves.

She added that individually each player will have to step up in order to progress to the next stage of the finals.

Coach Takakura admitted that although the game against Canada was tough, they were able to keep it under control and that worked out well for them.

France focus on improving defense for Germany match

France coach Gilles Eyquem said, following the victory over New Zealand 2-0 in the last round of Group C matches that the team will need to work on its defense.

Eyquem said he was happy and very pleased with the performance of his players as they played a very good game against New Zealand but there are always some details to work.

“We have good players so we have good potential against the Germans however we still have some work to do on our defense as we have to be more compact.

Mexico enters quarterfinals

They defeated Venezuela 3-2 in a close encounter at the Bava Park in front of 2076 supporters.

Mexico scored through Kiana Palacios and Teresa Gonzalez.

Venezuela scored both goals in the second half through Gabriela Garcia and Lourdes Moreno.

Mexico's forward, Kiana Palacios, scored a double to help her team take lead at half-time.

Mexico dominated the game, having more ball possession.

The girls in green and white made 22 attempts with 7 on target and 8 off target.

Germany keep their unbeaten run intact

Germany defeated Korea Republic 2-0 at Sir John Guise Stadium tonight in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

German backline, led by Captain Rebecca Knaak, Pia Sophie Wolter, Isabella Hartig and Dina Orschmann, withstood their rival's attack.

Both teams had many chances in the second half to score but failed to hit the back of the net in front of 7,218 screaming fans.  

The two goals scored in the first half of the match were from the boots of Dina Orschmann and Stefanie Sanders.

Mexico takes lead at half-time

The match is underway at the Bava Park in Port Moresby.

Mexico's forward, Kiana Palacios, scored a double to help her team take lead.

Mexico dominated the second half, having more ball possession.

The girls in green and white made 11 attempts, having three on target and four off target.

Palacios' first goal, four minutes into the game, was a superb header taken off a corner kick straight into the net, surprising Venezuela goal keeper Franyely Rodriguez.