While Germany and Spain can afford to relax a little, having already book their knockout-stage tickets, the six remaining contenders from Groups C and D at the the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ have it all to play for.
There’s a winner-takes-all showdown in Bogota between Paraguay and USA, while Nigeria also know a win against Venezuela will be enough to secure automatic qualification.
Group C
Morocco v Spain
Estadio Pascual Guerrero, Cali
Saturday 7 September | 18:00 (local time)
Spain are among a host of nations already safely through to the second round and coach Sonia Bermudez has hinted that she may use this match as a chance to rest and rotate the squad for the battles ahead.
With Olaya Enrique, Maite Zubieta and Erika Gonzalez all being forced off in a 2-0 win against Paraguay last time out, that appears a sensible course of action from the defending champions.
Morocco were heroic in a 2-0 defeat against USA in their previous outing but remain pointless at their maiden tournament and in need of an upset result here to have any shot at reaching the knockout stage.
USA v Paraguay
Estadio de Techo, Bogota
Saturday 7 September | 18:00 (local time)
The decisive clash of the matchday pits three-time champions USA against emerging South American power Paraguay in a winner-takes-all clash. The late second goal that the Americans scored against Morocco was vital as it sees them sitting ahead of Paraguay on goal difference, meaning that should things finish level, they’ll secure one of the automatic berths for the second round.
A draw may be enough for Paraguay to qualify as one of the best third-placed sides although they’ll likely be without Gabriela Valdez, who was forced off in their loss to Spain on Wednesday.
Group D
Korea Republic v Germany
Estadio de Techo, Bogota
Saturday 7 September | 15:00 (local time)
Having squandered several chances in a scoreless draw with Venezuela last time out, Korea Republic’s direct qualification fate is no longer in their own hands. To finish in the top two they’ll need Venezuela to roll Nigeria and also complete the difficult assignment of downing Germany.
Katrin Peter’s side can approach things in a more measured manner, having already secured progression to the second stage, and the Asian nation will be hoping that they can punish any complacency that may arise from the three-time champions.
Venezuela v Nigeria
Estadio Pascual Guerrero, Cali
Saturday 7 September | 15:00 (local time)
For Venezuela only a win will keep their qualification hopes alive, although they’ll still need to wait on results from elsewhere. For Nigeria, it’s a much simpler equation; down their South American opponents and they progress as one of the top two nations.
