Hosts feel German force
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Article summary
Germany made a splendid start to the 2nd FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship as they defeated Thailand.
Article body
Germany made a splendid start to the 2nd FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship as they kicked off the 12-team tournament with a 6-0 victory against the hosts Thailand in Group A, but Italy lost narrowly to Brazil.
Equipped to progress
Despite losing the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship final to Spain in August, the all-powerful Germans remain the continent's best hope of winning a first world crown at this level. Silvia Neid's side finished third in the inaugural event in Canada two years ago and look well equipped to progress to the quarter-finals from a pool which includes Australia and Canada.
Mittag opener
Germany did all the damage in the first half, scoring all their goals before easing off after the break to preserve energy for Saturday's showdown with the Matildas, who today lost 2-1 to 2002 runners-up Canada. Anja Mittag, tipped to be one of the stars of the tournament, had already shown her skills with a dazzling run by the time she opened the scoring in the tenth minute following unselfish play from Simone Laudehr.
Young sensation
Célia Okoyino da Mbabi created the second two minutes later for Lena Goessling, and provider turned scorer in the 16th minute when Mbabi raced on to a long pass over the Thai defence from Peggy Kuznik and beat the home goalkeeper with a fierce drive from the edge of the area. The 16-year-old then capitalised on a defensive error to make it 4-0 before Goessling (40) and Laudehr (43) completed the scoring.
Italy defeated
In Group B, Italy put up a fine performance against 2002 semi-finalists Brazil in Chang Mai but fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Fabiana Costi's eleventh-minute own goal put Brazil ahead and although just after the hour Alia Guagni's long shot was turned in by the alert Agnese Ricco for the equaliser, Kelly struck the winner six minutes from time. Elsewhere in the group, China - who Italy play on Saturday - beat Nigeria 1-0.
Group C openers
Europe's two other challengers, Russia and Spain, meet in Phuket tomorrow as Group C starts, with holders the United States playing Asian champions the Korean Republic beforehand at the same venue.
