Caribbean Sports Network

AS THEY gear up for their second tournament assignments tomorrow, each of the Group “C” and “D” sides beaten the first time out, in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, will be targeting victory against a team already boasting three points. In New Zealand’s case, that will mean plotting a win against Spain at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva at 4 pm, where Japan will face the same challenge against Venezuela three hours later. Several kilometres away at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, the Republic of Ireland will aim to bounce back from their loss to Brazil when they take on Canada at 4 pm, while Ghana’s mission will be to overcome the ever-dangerous Brazil. They may have experienced differing fortunes, but both the Irish and Canada impressed with their combative qualities during their opening fixtures at the World Cup.

In the European side’s case, that meant playing with maximum commitment against Brazil, launching themselves into every tackle before their opponents’ technical superiority eventually told in a slender 2-1 loss.

That match was then followed by a similarly dynamic display from Canada, who saw off Ghana 1-0 in an epic encounter, so there ought to be commitment aplenty when the Group “D” rivals lock horns with much at stake.

Indeed, 2010 European U-17 runners-up Ireland know victory is essential as they set out to claim a place in the knockout phase.

Let down by wayward finishing and bad luck against Canada, Ghana need an injection of confidence as they prepare to take on Group “D” titans Brazil.

The South American champions kicked off with a win over Ireland that was shot through with quality, and they are determined to avoid the fate of their predecessors at the 2008 World Cup in New Zealand, who fell at the first hurdle following a 3-0 loss to England and a 2-1 defeat by South Korea. In Group “C”, European title-holders Spain have their hearts set on a second consecutive triumph, with New Zealand next in their sights after Japan were dispatched 4-1.

Spain were not at their best in that match but they posted the result they wanted, in contrast to New Zealand, who impressed on their way to a 2-1 setback against tournament newcomers Venezuela. The meeting between the two teams should therefore conjure up a few surprises, ahead of the fixture pitting Japan and Venezuela. Venezuela have already made history by sealing their maiden success in a FIFA women’s tournament and they will be eager to record another achievement by reaching the quarter-finals.

To do that, they will need to see off a Japan side that graced the last eight two years ago.