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Germany bowls Aussie over. Thai's outclassed. Brazil shocked - Group A & B wrap - U/19 Womens Championships
It rained goals in Bangkok last night as eleven goals were scored between Canada and Germany in their matches against Thailand and Australia respectively.
A result against Germany would have been preferable to the Young Matildas however their defence would prove no match for a strong German attack. With the majority of Aussie defenders only part-timers, usually midfielders, the defence was easily beaten time and time again. Monique Jackson, replacing Alison Logue in goal, seemed overawed by the occassion and made some simple mistakes. And while the first goal will be put down to absolute class, Jackson's positioning could have been improved.
Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi, the part French, part Camaroonian, part German striker combined the skills from all these nations when a clearance header landed at her feet. From about 25 yards out she lobbed the ball perfectly fitting the ball between the outstreched hand of Jackson and under the crossbar. The fourth minute goal set Germany on track for a big win. But Australia wouldn't lay down so early and Selin Kuralay almost leveled soon after.
Anja Mittag extended the lead on 26 minutes when Simeone Laudehr put a ball into the middle for her after tearing up the left wing. Jackson rushed out to fast and left mittag with an open net.
The Aussies improved in the second half however Mittag would strike again late in the half. The 73rd minute goal was a simple tap in after Patricia Hanebeck's cross. Mittag's first shot came off the upright and took a diving Jackson with it. Fortunatly for Mittag the ball came straight back and gave a huge target to tap home. The Aussies were destroyed and allowed a fourth in the 85th minute. Anna Blaesse poking home a late goal after Laudehr crossed low.
Canada however crunched Thailand with a 7-0 victory, largely thanks to Brittany Timko's hat-trick.
Thailand had a voictrous supporter base in the crowd however it didn't stop Tanya Dennis rising above the defence from a corner and heading the opener in the 11th minute. Despite this the Thai's held out the Canucks for another 15 minutes, unlike the quick scoring they suffered against Germany three days earlier. Timko scored her first on 26 minutes after a keeper error spilt the ball directly at her feet. For a player with her skill it was a simple goal. Jodi-Ann Robinson made it 3-0 when she turned, collided with the Thai keeper only to regain her feet and finish the job. (33rd minute).
Two minutes later Timko scored her second with yet another simple tap in after a blistering run through the defence.
After the break Canada continued the rout when Veronique Maranda fired a shot so strong it was to much for the Thai keeper to handle. The shot was blocked but had enough to come off the keepers head and bobble over the line in the 47th minute. Aysha Jamani joined in scoring the sixth for Canada when she slotted home on 54 minutes. Two minute Timko did it again when she scored her third on 56 minutes.
Canada felt that would be enough and took their foot off the pedal, almost taking pity on their hosts.
Germany and Canada are home and hosed. It just remains to be seen which place they progress through as after both aquiring six points from two matches. They will play each other in the final group match in three days time. Australia and Thailand fight for third place. Thailand's goal difference would almost certainly put them out of contention. However if Australia could put as many away against Thailand as Canada did then Australia has a chance at qualification.
Nigeria stunned Brazil when they played overnight, taking a 2-0 lead, only to have it pulled back by Brazil. but Nigeria stunned the South Americans by scoring in the last minute to claim 3 points.
Cynthia Uwak started the scoring in the 9th minute, slotting home after beating the defence. Stella Godwin soon made it 2-0 when she placed a free kick perfectly, leaving the Brazilian keeper Thais flapping at open air in a vain attempt to save it. The 14th minute strike set the Brazilians back in shock. Nigeria continued to dominate however couldn't extend the lead. Brazil had their moments too but their biggest moment of the first half came when defender Elysa was sent off for an off-the-ball incident in teh 35th minute. Mexican official Virginia Tovar confired with her assistant before wielding the red card.
Brazil, or more specifically, their brilliant number 10, Marta, were stunned into action. Marta's 44th minute attempt just saved after a defence cracking run. She managed to score however, in the 55th minute. Positioning herself perfectly she had a simple tap in. Thais was kept on her toes for the remainder of the match but Brazil would ease her preassure with an 83rd minute equiliser. Cristiane found the end of a Marta pass and didn't fail in scoring.
However Nigeria had something left. And it came in the form of a cracking 40 yard drive from Akudo Sabi. Her shot sailed under the cross-bar and above the outstreched hand of Thais to seal the points in the 90th minute.
China made sure Italy remained at the foot of group B after recovering from a goal behind to take a 2-1 victory.
Agnese Ricco set the ball rolling with a 24th minute goal, firing it into the roof of the net. This would be all she wrote until half tiem when the Chinese came out with determination to pull the result back.
Pushing more players forward payed off with Wang Kun scoring from 25 metres out. Her swerving piledriver of a shot was to much for the Italian keeper. China continued to push and finally broke through in the 82nd minute. Xu Yuan lifted the ball into the net of a tired Italian outfit to seal the result.
Only China are guaranteed qualification into the quarter-finals in a group that is still wide open.
14 November, 2004 |
