Japan, Netherlands and USA tussle for two tickets

Japan, Netherlands and USA will tussle for two tickets to the knockout phase, and it’s the Americans who are surprisingly most in danger of missing the flight. In the other section, with Nigeria already through, France and Korea Republic will collide for a Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal place.

Talking points

France and Korea Republic are level on points and goal difference, but the one extra goal Les Bleuettes have scored means a draw will be good enough for them to sneak through. Esther Mbakem-Niaro crucially rose from the bench to get one of them in the 89th minute against Canada. Will that earn her a start, and will Hwang Insun, having seen her Korea Republic side waste chances, be tempted to play Go Yuna, a more conventional striker, from the off?

USA had never failed to reach the knockout phase of the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup until falling at the first hurdle last time out. Despite sending a starlet-stacked squad – including mega-prospect Olivia Moultrie – down the Americas, Tracey Kevins’ girls have it all to do. If the Netherlands beat Ghana, the US must beat reigning champions Japan by two goals to pip them to a quarterfinal place. Do not miss one of the most anticipated matches in the group-stage history of this competition.

The Black Princesses need a miracle. Ghana must beat the Netherlands by four goals and see Japan down USA to have any chance of extending their stay. Canada, whose elimination was sealed on Sunday, will be playing for pride, but how they would love to sign out in style against Nigeria.

Stats

7 - Victory over USA would move Japan on to seven successive wins in the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup. Only two teams in the competition’s history have put together longer winning runs: USA (10 between 2002 and ’04) and Germany (12 between 2008 and ’12).

0 - Nigeria have kept more clean sheets in their opening two games at Costa Rica 2022 than they did in their previous 15 outings in the competition.

Quotes

“Ghana will be a very difficult match. They are very physical and have a lot of speed on the counter. We will therefore have to remain calm and not give away too much space at the back. We will certainly not underestimate Ghana, but we’re clearly in a good position.” Jessica Torny, Netherlands coach

“We have girls with a lot of character: they are hurt, you could see that, but they will be fine for the next game. We’re still in with a chance and will be going all out to get the win against Japan.” Tracey Kevins, USA coach