It was an action packed Thursday morning in Japan as four matches took place in the preliminaries of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The U.S. faced China in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. North Korea destroyed Argentina 9-0, setting a record. Germany won 1-0 over Ghana and Norway came back to defeat Canada 2-1.
Here is a summary of the action of each game.
North Korea was absolutely unstoppable on Thursday. They scored nine goals against Argentina and completely dominated the match. The game was a complete highlight reel for the Koreans. By the end of the first half, the Koreans had a 7-0 lead.
Kim Un Hwa had a platinum sobrero as she scored five goals. The came in minute 26, 30, 41, 45+2 and 56. Kim Su Gyong had three goals at minute 38, 44 and 55. Yun Hyon Hi joined the part with a goal at the 16 minute mark.
The U.S. was stunned by China as they finished in a 1-1 tie. Lili Shen gave China a 1-0 in minute 19. Maya Hayes continued to dominated at the U-20 as she scored her fourth goal of the tournament, tying the game in minute 36.
The tie is devastating for the U.S. as they will now go up against a so far undefeated Germany club. Germany, ensured their entry to the quarterfinals with a win today.
They slowed down the tough Ghana team and went on to win their match 1-0. They controlled the ball for most of the game and controlled the pace. Their only goal, and the only one fo the match, came right at the end of the match in the first minute of additional time. Lina Magull scored her goal just eight minutes after entering the match. Germany will get ready to face the U.S. in their next match.
The Hegerberg Sisters guaranteed Norway a victory against Canada as the team trailed 1-0 after the first half.
Caroline Hansen, of Norway, took it upon herself to deteriorate the Canadian defense. She assisted Ada Hegerberg in the team's first goal, even though the ball looked like it was heading inside the net regardless of Hegerberg's action.
Andrine Hegerberg solidified the win with a goal at minute 79.
With the win, Canada and Norway are tied for the second spot in the Group C pool.
