Canada w20 slips, but holds second place at Japan 2012
Posted on 23 August 2012 in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
Canada slipped into second place of Group C at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Japan 2012 following a 1:2 loss to Norway. Canada conceded second-half goals to the Hegerberg sisters in the 52nd and 79th minutes, which means Canada and Norway are tied on three points while Korea DPR moves into first place with six points. Canada stands ahead of Norway in the standings based on goal differential.
The Canada-Norway match was one of four group matches on Thursday 23 August at Japan 2012. Also from Group C, Korea DPR won 9:0 to eliminate Argentina. Both Group C matches were played in Kobe, Japan. Coming up on Monday 27 August, Canada will face Korea DPR in Saitama while Norway will face Argentina in Miyagi. It is still possible that Canada, Korea DPR and Norway finished tied on six points should Canada and Norway win the group finales on Monday.
Canada's next FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match against Korea DPR will kick off at 19.00 local on 27 August. The match will be broadcast on CBC television as well as CBCSports.ca (06.00 ET / 03.00 PT). Fans can also follow all the action via twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN.
In Group D on Thursday, USA drew 1:1 with China PR while Germany eliminated Ghana with an added-time goal in a 1:0 victory. Germany will advance to the quarter-final phase, while either USA or China PR will join them (with standings yet to be determined). On Monday, USA (four points, +4 goals) will face Germany (six points) while China PR (one point, -4 goals) will face Ghana (no points).
On Wednesday 22 August, Mexico won 2:0 over Switzerland, Japan drew 2:2 with New Zealand, Brazil drew 1:1 with Nigeria, and Korea Republic won 2:0 over Italy. Group A standings feature Japan at the top (four points, +3 goals) followed by New Zealand (four points, +1 goals), Mexico (three points, -1 goals) and eliminated Switzerland (no points). In the group finale on Sunday, Mexico will face New Zealand while Japan will face Switzerland.
Group B standings feature Nigeria at the top (four points, +2 goals) followed by Korea Republic (three points, even), Brazil (two points, even) and Italy (one point, -2 goals). In the group finale on Sunday, Italy will face Nigeria while Korea Republic will face Brazil.
From the group phase, eight teams will advance to the quarter-final phase. The top-two teams from Groups A & B will meet on 30 August while the top-two teams from Groups C & D will meet on 31 August.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Japan 2012 runs 19 August to 8 September. Canada is one of 16 teams participating in the tournament, with all players born in 1992 or later. This marks Canada's fifth participation in a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
