A second outing beckons for Group C and D nations in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™ on Sunday 20 October, with everything to play for.
Korea DPR and England put themselves in strong positions to progress from Group C with wins on their first matchday, going into clashes against Kenya and Mexico respectively knowing that victory in Santiago de los Caballeros would secure progression to the quarter-finals. Group D continues with table-topping Brazil looking to secure back-to-back wins while Japan, Poland and Zambia all search for their first of the tournament in Santo Domingo.
GROUP C
CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros
Korea DPR v Kenya
Kick-off times
16:00: Santiago de los Caballeros
05:00 (Monday): Pyongyang
23:00: Nairobi
The match
Korea DPR swiftly threw off any heavy expectation weighing on their shoulders after their U-20 compatriots’ triumph in Colombia last month in their opening game against Mexico. Choe Rim-jong opened and closed the scoring, finishing with a hat-trick as they swept to a 4-1 win. Later, Kenya fell to defeat due to a penalty and a late second against England. The debutants will need to use all the experience gained from their first ever U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance if they are to keep their tournament alive.
England v Mexico
Kick-off times
19:00: Santiago de los Caballeros
00:00 (Monday): London
17:00: Mexico City
The match
England were patient in their defeat of Kenya, taking down a tough side that limited their clear-cut chances despite heavy dominance in possession. It may be the Young Lionesses’ defence that comes into focus in this match, as Mexico have scored in all but one of their last 14 games in this competition and, following a heavy defeat to Korea DPR, know a win is essential to staying in the tournament. These sides have never met in this competition, making for a fascinating battle.
Group D
Felix Sanchez Stadium
Japan v Brazil
Kick-off times
16:00: Santo Domingo
05:00 (Monday): Tokyo
17:00: Brasilia
The match
Brazil top Group D outright after edging out Zambia 1-0 in their opening game thanks to star striker Juju’s accomplished first half finish and a stunning stoppage time save from Ana Morganti. Hoping to secure progression to the final eight in their quest for a first women’s world title, Brazil will need to overcome a typically resolute Japan side unbeaten in their last 18 group matches, conceding in only two. Their entertaining 0-0 draw with Poland means victory could put them top of the tree.
Zambia v Poland
Kick-off times
19:00: Santo Domingo
01:00 (Monday): Lusaka / Warsaw
The match
The only game of Matchday 4 to feature two teams without a win, it’s make or break territory for Zambia – at their first U-17 Women’s World Cup since 2014 – and tournament debutants Poland. Zambia can take heart from their narrow loss to Brazil, while Poland were impressive against a Japan side who may have expected to dominate more against the first-timers, but both sides will hope to be sharper in attack if they are to bag three vital points.
