Samoa have produced a remarkable defensive display to hold European heavyweights France to a 4–2 scoreline in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener in Morocco.
The French dominated with 61 shots to Samoa’s two, yet the tiny Pacific nation made the most of their chances. Jayde Eldredge (37’) and Makea Leonard (51’) scored Samoa’s first-ever goals at a FIFA tournament, etching their names into the history books.
Juan Chang Urrea’s side endured a nightmare start, conceding in just the second minute through Camille Marmillot who nodded home from a dangerous out swinging cross at the far post. Thais Gallais then struck twice to make it 3-0 before Eldredge’s goal before halftime offered Samoa hope.
Goalkeeper Grace Ae delivered a superb performance under relentless pressure, keeping her side in contention. When Leonard pulled another goal back early in the second half, Samoa dared to dream of an upset for the ages. However, Elena Moreira Da Rocha sealed the result for France deep into stoppage time.
Despite the loss, Samoa will take immense confidence into their next Group D clash against Canada on Thursday.
New Zealand fall late to Japan
Oceania champions New Zealand have put in a battling effort but have gone down 3-0 to Japan in their opening Group F fixture.
Japan dominated proceedings, registering 40 attempts on goal to New Zealand’s four, though many were off target. Nienke Lemmens in the New Zealand goal saved a penalty but the breakthrough came in the 38th minute from Yuna Aoki, before second-half goals from Noa Fukushima (75’) and Niko Shikida (84’) sealed the result.
Coach Alana Gunn’s side will look to regroup ahead of their next match against Paraguay on Thursday.
JAPAN 3 ( Yuna AOKI 38’, Noa FUKUSHIMA 75’ Niki SHIKIDA 84’)
NEW ZEALAND 0
HT 1-0