USA and France draw nil in first Group C Match

​The first game of Group C between the United States of America and France ended in a pointless draw at the PNG Football Stadium because of many missed opportunities.

Adding dismay to both teams was the hot temperature of Port Moresby testing the fitness level of both teams in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup staged in Papua New Guinea. 

USA made the first attempt to score a goal but France goal keeper Mylene Chavas made a crucial move to deny USA talented striker and captain, Mallory Pugh who had only the keeper to beat 15 metres out of the goal mark.

The only chance for the France ladies came at the second half for a free penalty kick outside the 15 meter box.

France midfielder Maelle Garbino had the first chance to take the momentum into the half but failed to make use of the chance, striking the ball straight to the USA goal keeper Casey Murphy.

Pugh continued to shine with many dominate runs with the ball, making the France defence work overtime to stop her.

Again, although she only had the France keeper to beat, she stumbled under pressure in front of 2, 033 people. With fatigue crippling in, both benches made constant substitutions but that did not make a different on the scoreboard as the locked 0-0 at fulltime.

France striker Delphine Cascarino was awarded with the player of the match award after a great performance.

Meanwhile, Ghana and New Zealand will complete the final match of the Group C, starting at 7pm tonight at the same venue.

Author: 
Charles Yapumi