France

Germany had several attempts in the opening minutes but failed to convert.

An opening shot from forward Jasmin Sehan hit the crossbar and went over.

Just then in the 16th minute, France swung in a corner kick that bounced off the head of a German player to find the boots of skipper Cascarino, just outside the 18 yards.

Cascarino powered a right footy through that got the crowd roaring for the unexpected goal.

German tried to make a comeback with several outside shots but couldn’t find the net as France leads 1-0 at half-time.

France coach Gilles Eyquem said, following the victory over New Zealand 2-0 in the last round of Group C matches that the team will need to work on its defense.

Eyquem said he was happy and very pleased with the performance of his players as they played a very good game against New Zealand but there are always some details to work.

“We have good players so we have good potential against the Germans however we still have some work to do on our defense as we have to be more compact.

They defeated New Zealand 2-0 today at the Bava Park, witnessed by 995 supporters.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger in the first half and Clara Mateo early in the second half.

Leger scored 17 minutes into the game.

The number 9 shot across 10 metres, out from the left of New Zealand goal keeper Nadia Olla, who was slow to stop the ball.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the game.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger 17 minutes into the game.

Leger shot across 10 metres out from the left of the opposition's goal keeper.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the first half.

An additional three minutes was given.

French failed to score following an attempt by Sakina Karchaoui at extra time.

Pictures by Kennedy Bani

The New Zealanders, in white, are led by Captain Meikayla Moore playing under fine weather conditions in front of a good crowd of supporters.

Isabella Coombers, who scored a goal in the previous game of this tournament, is also on the starting line-up while Tayla Christensen, who also scored in previous match, is on the bench.

The French side, in blue, is led by Captain Dephine Cascarino.

Cascarino scored for France in their previous games along with Clara Mateo, who is also on the starting line-up.

The European team will take on New Zealand at 4pm local time at Bava Park in the last match of the Group C round.

France is behind New Zealand by one point on the group ladder sitting in third place with two points.

New Zealand is second on three points behind leaders the United States on four points.

France is yet to register a win in the tournament with two draw matches against USA nil all in the first match and 2-2 against Ghana in the second match.

New Zealand has one win, against Ghana 1-0 in the first match, and a loss to USA 3-1 in its second match.

Ghana coach Mas-Ud Dramani sumed up the final score as a defeat for his team after leading throughout the match.

The second match of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Group C matches sets the pace for three time champions, USA and group leaders, New Zealand who will start play at 7pm at the PNG Football Stadium. 

Meanwhile, France striker Delphine Cascarino hit a perfectly calculated ball into the goal mouth and Mateo did not made a mistake to place it into the side of the net with well timed precision for the draw.   

Adding dismay to both teams was the hot temperature of Port Moresby testing the fitness level of both teams in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup staged in Papua New Guinea. 

USA made the first attempt to score a goal but France goal keeper Mylene Chavas made a crucial move to deny USA talented striker and captain, Mallory Pugh who had only the keeper to beat 15 metres out of the goal mark.

The only chance for the France ladies came at the second half for a free penalty kick outside the 15 meter box.

 The Manu defence leaked seven tries, with a seventh minute penalty kick from Patrick Faapale and Rey Lee-Lo try immediately after half-time all the visitors had to show for 80 minutes.

Alama Ieremia said it was a tough night at the office.

"If you start missing tackles at the top level and turn the ball over at the top level you get punished - especially by a very quality tier one country like France," he said.

That first half we made far too many errors for this level and we learnt a very harsh lesson."

With Tusi Pisi out injured, Faapale is flyhalf alongside Kahn Fotuali'i as the Samoans look to upset les Bleus.

David Lemi will again lead the side.

Lemi joins Paul Perez and Paul Williams in the back-three with the experienced Rey Lee-Lo and George Pisi starting in the midfield.

North Harbour and former NZ U20 player Christopher Vui will partner with Filo Paulo in the locking combination for the Samoans.

For France, Maxime Machenaud has been selected at scrumhalf by France coach Guy Noves.