Hosts held in World Cup opener
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Article summary
Hosts Russia began their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Brazil while Finland fell to a 2-1 defeat by China.
Article body
Hosts Russia began their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Brazil while a brave performance from Finland was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat by China.
Russia held
Russia were able to call on much the same lineup that won the 2005 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship in Hungary and were up against a Brazil team without 2004 player of the tournament Marta, who has stayed with Swedish club Umeå IK. But in an even game neither side were able to force a breakthrough, and Valentin Grishin's team suffered a blow when the influential Olga Petrova was forced off with a first-half injury. The hosts' next match is on Sunday against New Zealand, who lost their opener 3-0 to Asian representatives Australia.
Finland pipped
It seemed a tough task for tournament debutants Finland versus opponents who two years ago lost to Germany in the final of what was then a U19 event. But two minutes into the Group B match in Moscow, Fan Yuan put through her own goal to give Finland the advantage. Jarmo Matikainen's team held that lead until the 37th minute when Essi Sainio tripped Ma Xiaoxu in the area and the China captain converted the penalty herself. Ma later hit the post and China dominated play until finally edging ahead 18 minutes from the end through Zi Jingjing after a fine passing move. Finland's next game is on Sunday against 2002 runners-up Canada, who lost a dramatic encounter 3-2 to Nigeria having led twice.
Friday fixtures
The other eight contenders start on Friday in Moscow. In Group C reigning world and European champions Germany meet Korea DPR in Moscow after Switzerland face Mexico, while France start their Group D campaign against Argentina as the United States play Congo DR.
