New Zealand has been beaten 4-1 by South American champions Paraguay in their second match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025™ in Morocco.
The Young Ferns were determined to stay alive in the Group, while Paraguay needed a win to confirm their first ever semi-final appearance.
Paraguay controlled most of the half, pressing high and creating the better chances while keeping New Zealand under pressure. New Zealand keeper Harriet Muller worked hard to deny the South Americans on several occasions, who were unable to convert chances.
The Young Football Ferns struck the opener at the half hour mark after weathering a barrage of efforts from their opponents. Pia Vlok created the moment on the right edge slipping a sharp pass to Katy Pugh inside the box. Pugh pulled the ball away from the defender and finished to give New Zealand a shock a 1-0 lead.
However Paraguay were ruthless after the break.
Claudia Martinez, who had been a constant threat in the first half, scored a hat-trick in the second, with goals coming in quick succession.
Another goal came from Kiara Florentin in the 67th minute, calmly slotting home to seal the victory her team. The result confirms Paraguay’s place in the knockout rounds, while New Zealand will face Zambia in their final Group match needing a win to have any chance of progresing.
PARAGUAY: 4 (Claudia MARTINEZ 49’, 54’, 64’, Kiara FLORENTIN 67’)
NEW ZEALAND: 1 (Katy PUGH 30’)
HT: 0-1