FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2016 hosts Papua New Guinea were defeated 9-0 in their debut against Brazil at a packed Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby overnight.
Brazil’s Gabi Nunes, Brena and Yasmim completed two attempts each, while Duda, Katrine and Geyse were also on the scoresheet. The South American heavyweights scored after just six minutes and raced to a four-goal advantage by the 24-minute mark.
Two goals in first-half stoppage time were a further blow for PNG as Brazil reached six by half time. Yasmim’s perfectly-flighted left-foot free-kick around the wall was arguably the pick of the goals. Despite the scoreline, PNG fans were wildly enthusiastic whenever the home team were in possession.
There was the occasional long ball to PNG’s lone striker that threatened, while midfielder Nicollette Ageva produced a roar from the crowd when her cross briefly threatened to sneak in at the back post.
The tempo slowed after half time but Brazil eventually equalled the previous record score set by Korea DPR with their 9-0 win over Argentina four years ago.
Papua New Guinea have two challenging matches ahead as they continue through Group A, taking facing Sweden at 7pm on 16 November and Korea DPR at 7pm on 20 November.