France

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.

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.

France through to quarterfinals

They defeated New Zealand 2-0 today at the Bava Park, witnessed by 995 supporters.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger in the first half and Clara Mateo early in the second half.

Leger scored 17 minutes into the game.

The number 9 shot across 10 metres, out from the left of New Zealand goal keeper Nadia Olla, who was slow to stop the ball.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the game.

France lead New Zealand 1-0 at half-time

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger 17 minutes into the game.

Leger shot across 10 metres out from the left of the opposition's goal keeper.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the first half.

An additional three minutes was given.

French failed to score following an attempt by Sakina Karchaoui at extra time.

 

Pictures by Kennedy Bani

Last round of Group C match underway

The New Zealanders, in white, are led by Captain Meikayla Moore playing under fine weather conditions in front of a good crowd of supporters.

Isabella Coombers, who scored a goal in the previous game of this tournament, is also on the starting line-up while Tayla Christensen, who also scored in previous match, is on the bench.

The French side, in blue, is led by Captain Dephine Cascarino.

Cascarino scored for France in their previous games along with Clara Mateo, who is also on the starting line-up.

France in must-win match against New Zealand

The European team will take on New Zealand at 4pm local time at Bava Park in the last match of the Group C round.

France is behind New Zealand by one point on the group ladder sitting in third place with two points.

New Zealand is second on three points behind leaders the United States on four points.

France is yet to register a win in the tournament with two draw matches against USA nil all in the first match and 2-2 against Ghana in the second match.

New Zealand has one win, against Ghana 1-0 in the first match, and a loss to USA 3-1 in its second match.

France substitute Mateo breaks Ghana’s hearts

Ghana coach Mas-Ud Dramani sumed up the final score as a defeat for his team after leading throughout the match.

The second match of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Group C matches sets the pace for three time champions, USA and group leaders, New Zealand who will start play at 7pm at the PNG Football Stadium. 

Meanwhile, France striker Delphine Cascarino hit a perfectly calculated ball into the goal mouth and Mateo did not made a mistake to place it into the side of the net with well timed precision for the draw.   

USA and France draw nil in first Group C Match

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.

Moresby South’s 400 girls involved in FIFA games

The countries under the care of the electorate will be Spain, Nigeria, Brazil, and France.

Minister for Sports, APEC, and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, said shirts will be printed with the flags of each country and given to the girls to wear as chaperones for each country.

He said the teams will have about two to three days between matches and will have time to visit the city and so will be looked after by the girls.

Selected communities have been tasked with each country and they are:

Heralded rugby coach found dead at team hotel

The 42-year-old, who won 62 caps for Ireland, was in France to prepare Munster for their European Champions Cup clash against Racing 92.

That match, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed.

A joint statement from the IRFU and Pro12 outfit Munster did not disclose any further details of Foley's passing.

"Munster Rugby management are liaising directly with Anthony's family and will provide them with any assistance and support required," it added.