Mexico cruise past New Zealand - FIFA U-17 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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Match 2: Mexico v New Zealand - FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2016 - YouTube
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| The Mexico players pose for a team picture prior to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016 Group A match between Mexico and New Zealand at Amman International Stadium on September 30, 2016 in Amman, Jordan. |
Mexico defeated New Zealand 5-0 on the opening night of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and took three points in Group A at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan.
CONCACAF runners-up Mexico proved to be too strong for Oceania champions New Zealand as five different goalscorers led Christopher Cuellar's side to a comfortable victory. Daniela Espinosa scored the opener in the 18th minute when she dived bravely to score after a shot was initially saved impressively by Young Football Ferns goalkeeper Anna Leat.
Winger Jacqueline Ovalle doubled El Mini Tri's lead with a composed finish inside the penalty area. Ovalle brought down a drilled-in cross after a failed New Zealand clearance and took a touch before firing a shot low with her left foot past Leat. Sam Tawharu almost got the Young Football Ferns back in the match, but her shot from about six yards out was saved superbly by Miriam Aguirre and Mexico maintained their two-goal advantage at the break.
It was 'as you were' in the second half as Mexico continued to limit New Zealand's goalscoring chances while being effective going forward. Leat missed her clearance on a corner kick and Jimena Lopez was there to guide in a header in the 68th minute. Veronica Avalos then made it four in the 81st when she calmly scored from close range after Montserrat Hernandez made a wonderful run on the left wing and found her with a simple cut-back pass.
The goal of the night, however, came at the very end when Celiana Torres capitalised on poor distribution from Leat and scored from about 30 yards out with a precise, powerful shot into the bottom corner.
Cuellar's side got through the group stage two years ago at this competition, so their opening day rout of New Zealand will go a long way in helping them repeat that feat. New Zealand will need to respond strongly in their second match of the tournament against Spain on Monday.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Dayana Cazares (MEX)