SAN JOSE: *Young Australian side started their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica in the Group A match on the opening day of the event, here on Wednesday.* Sarah Hunter and Bryleeh Henry scored back-to-back goals in the first half to upset the home crowd before Kirsty Fenton’s header in the second half steered Australia to a comfortable win. The hosts went for a solid start and scored the opening goal in the 19th minute with a superb effort by captain Alexandra Pinell who blasted a free kick from 35 yards into the post.

Australia, however, continued to exert pressure on the Costa Rican defence in search of an equalizer and eventually found the one in the form of a penalty in the 37th minute. Sarah netted the ball from the penalty spot to level the scores before Henry doubled the lead within two minutes. The second half witnessed shaky and worn-out efforts by both teams as the young players grew tired.

Australia managed to score their third in the 72nd minute as Kirsty Fenton was able to head the ball into the post from close range after Lowry’s corner was delivered exactly into the hot spot. Following this victory, Australia secured the top position in Group A, while Costa Rica dropped to the bottom. Meanwhile, Brazil and Spain placed second and third in the group A standings respectively, after both secured a point each following a draw in the opening day game.

Mexico and New Zealand, however, ended in a 1-1 draw in a group B fixture after an exciting contest between the two teams at Alajuela. Mexico’s Grace Wisnewski scored the game’s first goal in the 30th minute, while New Zealand retaliated with an equaliser as Anette Vazquez scored a spectacular goal just before halftime.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 11 2022

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