2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup

New Zealand defeated Ghana 1-0 at the PNG Football Stadium in Papua New Guinea’s capital.

 In the first pool match, United States of America and France drew scoreless at the same venue.

The match between Ghana and New Zealand was physical and divided the vocal crowd of 2, 877 people.

However, the Oceania champions humbled the African zone country with a heartbreaking loss when substitute striker Tayla Christensen scored at the stroke of normal time.

Adding dismay to both teams was the hot temperature of Port Moresby testing the fitness level of both teams in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup staged in Papua New Guinea. 

USA made the first attempt to score a goal but France goal keeper Mylene Chavas made a crucial move to deny USA talented striker and captain, Mallory Pugh who had only the keeper to beat 15 metres out of the goal mark.

The only chance for the France ladies came at the second half for a free penalty kick outside the 15 meter box.

The Germans defeated Venezuela 3-1 in the first match for Group D on Day Two in front of 1 858 supporters.

Germany wasted no time opening up the score board through Madeline Gier with the first goal just two minutes into the game.

Venezuela fought back after 23 minutes to level the score 1-1 through Mariana Speckmaier.

16 minutes later Venezuela's Idalys Perez again attempted to score from a back flip kick few meters out but failed to find the net.

Brazil scored through Duda, Gabi Nunes, Brena, Yasmim, Katrine and Geyse.

The home team played hard in front of a sold out crowd of 12,547 supporters but lacked attack as the Brazilians took charge in the first five minutes, scoring their first goal 1-0 through Duda.

Five minutes later, Gabi Nunes found the net, scoring the visitors' second goal 2-0.

The Brazilians were on fire and wasted no time scoring their third goal through Brena 3-0 in the 17th minute.

A penalty against PNG's Margaret Joseph for tripping Brena gave Brazil a free kick.

Nigerian coach Peter Dedevbo, in the post match conference, said despite his team going down by a huge margin this evening, they will come back stronger in their next match.

He said he did anticipate such a goal margin from a side that has been together for a long time.

This evening's match saw Japan power house duo Yuka Momiki and Mami Ueno score three goals each while an embarrassing home goal by Nigeria's Mary Ologbosere gave her opponents that 7-0 win.

Japan had 68 percent ball possession against Nigeria's 32 percent.

Japan's No. 10 Yuka Momiki and No.18 Mami Ueno scored three goals each, while  Nigeria scored one goal into their own net. 

Leading by 2 in the first half, Japan continued its firey form in the second half in front of a crowd of 1,651. 

Going into the second half with 66 percent ball possession, Japan was awarded an early penalty in front of Nigerian goal mouth seven minutes into the second half. 

Japan's Momiki scored her second goal for the night in the 51st minute, expanding their lead 3-0. 

The second match at Bava Park this evening had a firing start with Japan taking a penalty kick in front of Nigeria's goalmouth in the second minute of the match, only to find the outside corner net.

The local supporters added that boost for Japan, who had more possession of the ball in the entire first half of the match.

Awesome defense by Nigeria's defenders prevented a goal to Japan in the 7th and 8th minutes of the match.

This is the second match of Day One at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The team was welcomed with a contemporary dance and fireworks display.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is also present to watch the match along with Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko and FIFA Oceania and PNGFA president David Chung.

The home side, in red coloured jersey, is led by Captain Yvonne Gabong.

The visitors, in yellow and blue uniform, will be out in full force.

As a normal practice, the team captains did the handshake for peace before the match kicked off.

The women in red stole the show with an outstanding performance, leaving Sweden scoreless, 2-0.

Korea DPR played a fast and dominating game, securing 1-0 in the first half, 24 minutes into the game, through Hyang Sim Ri.

They displayed highly skilled techniques with their fast movements and ball works.

Korea kicked off second half on a high note, scoring their second goal through So Hyang Kim 47 minutes into the game.

She drove the ball into the net from a metre away.

Both teams have one win, one lose and a draw against each other.

Nigeria has had 7 appearances at the World Cup since 2002, while Japan stands at 4 appearances in the competition.

Neither teams have a title against them. Together their total scored goals stand at 8, that's 4 goals each from previous World Cup meets.

The Japanese side will be captained by defender and No. 5 Ruka Norimatsu, while Nigeria will be led by goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii.

Pictured in navy blue are the Japanese warming up before the match.