U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is underway and the early evidence is that hard-fought games and evenly-matched teams will be a recurring theme here

 The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is underway and the early evidence is that hard-fought games and evenly-matched teams will be a recurring theme during the tournament. Nigeria are top of Group B after the 2010 runners-up continued their fine form at this level with victory over Korea Republic, while Brazil and Italy exchanged stunning goals before settling for a share of the spoils. Much local focus, however, was on Miyagi as hosts Japan got off to a winning start in the day’s only inflated scoreline, while New Zealand were good value for their opening win against Switzerland.

Results Group A Japan 4-1 Mexico
New Zealand 2-1 Switzerland

Group B Brazil 1-1 Italy
Nigeria 2-0 Korea Republic

Goal of the day Brazil-Italy, Amanda 92'The opening day at Japan 2012 witnessed more than its fair share of spectacular goals, notably long-range efforts from Japan’s Kumi Yokoyama and especially Italy’s Elena Linari. However, Brazil’s Amanda topped them all. With her side 1-0 down deep into injury time, the Foz Cataratas defender burst into the penalty area on the left, clipped the ball over a lurking defender with her left foot, controlled it on her chest, before hitting an unstoppable effort with her right foot from an acute Van Basten-like angle.

Memorable moments Joyous celebrations kick-start tournament A colourful and noisy Opening Ceremony was offered up to fans in Miyagi, which preceded an impressive opening win for the home side against Mexico. Traditional performances of the Tohoku region - a region severely damaged by the earthquake in March last year – demonstrated gratitude to the support offered from around the world, while national team coach Norio Sasaki and some of his Nadeshiko stars were also introduced to a rapturous crowd.

Birthday cheer It was a memorable day for New Zealand coach Aaron McFarland, who led his team to victory, their first at this level since 2008. The result ended a three-match losing streak for the Kiwis, and all on McFarland’s 40th birthday. Unused New Zealand midfielder Lucy Carter, meanwhile, celebrated her 19th birthday on what was a day of merriment for the Junior Football Ferns. Things were not so rosy for Switzerland, however, who extended their record run of defeats at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to seven matches.

Loud and proud A somewhat incongruous African flavour was in evidence in Saitama as Nigeria fans turned out in strong numbers to support the Falconets. The team also got into the mood with some high-spirited dancing in the tunnel as they waited to enter the field pre-match. Meanwhile, in the stands loud singing from the Nigerian contingent turned this part of Saitama into a mini-Abuja.

Stat of the day
6 – Rosie White’s bulging CV gained another line with her appearance today ensuring the New Zealand striker became the only player in the history of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to feature in six FIFA tournaments, while still at this level. The former OFC Player of the Year has played in all four world tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and, most recently, the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. White’s goal today against Switzerland means she joins Mexico’s Charlyn Corral in scoring at three FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups, although Nigeria star Ebere Orji could yet join that exclusive club at Japan 2012.

The words
“This was the planned result. We’ve even improved compared to last World Cup and we’ll try to do better than that, which means that we want to do better than second place,” Nigeria coach Okon Edwin

TODAY'S MATCHES AND RESULTS Monday 20 August (all times are local)
Group C Korea DPR 4 -Norway 2, Kobe, 16.00
Argentina 0 -Canada 6, Kobe, 19.00

Group D Ghana 0 -USA 4, Hiroshima, 16.00
Germany4 -China PR 0, Hiroshima, 19.00

Linari: It was an unbelievable strike

Monday 20 August 2012

© Getty Images

It was no coincidence that, as soon as the match official signalled a foul on Italy captain Martina Rosucci, it was Elena Linari who strode straight over to pick up the ball. After all, the defender is the Azzurrine’s designated free-kick taker and, in their opening game of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012, the moment had arrived for the gifted right-footer to put months of training into practice.
“I simply couldn’t believe it when I scored, even now I don’t think I can explain how I did it,” said Linari to FIFA.com, shortly after the 1-1 draw in which she arrowed an inch-perfect set-piece strike from distance into the top corner of Brazil keeper Daniele's net. “When I pick up the ball to take a free-kick, and it was the same today, I just think about getting my technique right and hitting the target. I do train hard, but even so that shot was truly unbelievable.”

Linari’s wondergoal – which opened the scoring after 38 minutes – had significance aplenty for the No14, who is more used to catching the eye with defensive prowess than attacking flair. “It was the second of my [international] career and of course the most spectacular,” she said with a smile. “It was also our first of this World Cup. It was a dream of mine to score here and I’m really happy to have made it come true.”

What must have made the achievement all the sweeter was the presence of her family in the stands, with the 18-year-old’s loved ones making the lengthy journey to Japan to support her at the global showpiece. Linari subsequently dedicated her goal to them, a gesture which led to her father being almost overcome with emotion and pride as he saw his daughter onto the coach that would take the Italian team back to their hotel.

“When I saw the ball go in I was so happy, because it was a really lovely shot – an incredible piece of technique,” said Diego Linari to FIFA.com, while standing at Elena’s side. “It’s great to see her like that, and I want to give her all the support I can so she can achieve her ambition for the future, which is to become a professional player.”

Happiness tinged with regret
Though undoubtedly a special day for the Linari family, the end result ended up somewhat disappointing for the Italian squad as a whole. Having gone in front and wasted chances to extend their lead, Italy's hopes of taking all three points in a tough Group B were dashed when Brazil’s Amanda scored a fine individual equaliser in injury time.

“We really wanted to win and I’m sad because we came so close,” said Linari, of AFC Firenze. “It’s an even group and we’re up against three teams with very different styles, but I think Italy can beat both Korea Republic and Nigeria if we play with enough spirit.”

This World Cup could really help the development of the women’s game in Italy, and perhaps motivate more girls to take up the sport.

Italy defender Elena Linari

On the evidence of this performance, spirit is something Corrado Corradini’s charges are not lacking. Indeed, though this Italian side does not appear overly endowed with skilled ball players, discipline and defensive steel were certainly in evidence.
“That’s the style our country’s known for, but in our friendly matches we’ve been making mistakes [at the back],” said the imposing central defender. “Today, though, I think we found an extra gear because it was a World Cup match. That really got everyone going.”

The young Azzurrine will have to continue in a similarly hard-battling vein if they wish to build on their solid start and make a real splash on their return to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scene after an eight-year absence. What is more, a positive campaign would undoubtedly encourage future generations and give the players’ own careers a healthy boost.
“This World Cup could really help the development of the women’s game in Italy, and perhaps motivate more girls to take up the sport,” said Linari as the conversation concluded. “It’d mean a lot to us all if we could make that happen,” she added and, whether she is aware of it or not, her phenomenal strike could already have taken Italy some way towards achieving that mission.