2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup

Thank you PNG for a successful tournament!

Committee CEO Seamus Marten thanked the people for turning up in numbers to fill the stadiums as well as the communities who adopted each of the visiting teams.

“The visiting teams have taken away precious memories of their time in Papua New Guinea and as ambassadors for the country overseas,” stated Marten.

“The mutual respect and affection between the teams and the fans is something that we will all remember for a long time to come.”

Believe in PNG’s capabilities, says Tkatchenko

Tkatchenko made this call after the successful completion of the world football event on Saturday night.

“It is time to stop doubting and start believing,” he said.

“In the space of 17 months, Papua New Guinea has been able to successfully deliver the Pacific’s sporting ultimatum, the Pacific Games 2015, and this world sports event, the FIFA Under-20 WWC.

“That is an achievement we can all be very proud of.”

Korea DPR did it!

The Asian rival has won the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, beating France 3-1.

With scores leveled at 1-1 in the break, Korea DPR came back in the second half to add two more goals to seal the victory.

It was all through Kim Phyong Hwa who assisted the first goal in the first half, then puts her team infront with the second goal with a stunning header to push the team infront to lead 2-1.

But that was not enough as Jon So Yon converted a free kick in the box from a foul before the final whistle sounded for Korea DPR to beat 3-1.

We hope to return soon, says Team Spain

Spain bowed out of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday night after a heart-breaking loss to Korea DPR (3-2) in the first quarterfinals match.

The Taikone community hosted the farewell gathering at Naked Fish, where gifts were exchanged between members of the community who adopted the country and supported them during the matches.

A performance by the Vabukori string band and Tolai dances were performed by the community, which two of the girls from the visiting team could not resist but join in.

Spain leaves PNG with good memories

Speaking to Loop PNG on Friday night, Spain’s media officer Marina Sam Miguel said the experience has been wonderful and really amazing for a country many had to Google search.

“We didn’t know what to expect coming so far. To be honest, many of the girls had to look up on the map to see where Papua New Guinea was because they couldn’t really place it but they had a wonderful time.”

During their short stay in the country, the team visited March Girls, Sunset lodge and a few other places.

PNG: We could not believe that we had scored!

This was what the PNG U20 women’s team captain, Yvonne Gabong, revealed to Loop PNG after their Sanap Wantaim march to the parliament on Friday (Nov 25).

Four of the girls, along with coach Lisa Cole, joined NGOs and students to support the campaign for a safe Port Moresby for women and girls.

Loop caught up with Gabong (6, midfielder), Joy Tsuga (19, midfielder), Belinda Giada (12, midfielder) and Margret Joseph (3, defender) just as they were exiting the parliament.

Korea DPR send Spain packing after normal time

The first quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby went down to the last minutes of the match as both countries were tied 2-2 at fulltime.

With the scores locked at the end of normal time, both teams were given an extra 30 minutes to find a winner, and the first 15 minutes did not find one.

In the second half of extra time, Kim who was outside the pack of players, from a corner kick hit the back of the net, after Spain goalkeeper Maria Quinones punch the ball forward. 

Undefeated Korea DPR face Spain in the first quarterfinals this afternoon

And in the second knockout match, Japan and Brazil will fight for survival under the lights at the National Football Stadium.   

The Koreans who topped Group A with three convincing wins over Sweden, Brazil and Papua New Guinea will take a stopping to halt their momentum. 

Spain with a mixed result in their bags with two wins and a defeat will need to take their best defensive game to the field to stop the fast playing Koreans.

The Spanish finished second in  Group B after Japan, both tied on 6 points apiece. 

Japan to come with fresh focus for Brazil match

Japan coach Asako Takakura said following their victory over Canada 5-0, that their next game will be the knockout stage so they will have to win it.

Takakura said if they lose the game their World Cup dream will be over so they will definitely push forward and trust themselves.

She added that individually each player will have to step up in order to progress to the next stage of the finals.

Coach Takakura admitted that although the game against Canada was tough, they were able to keep it under control and that worked out well for them.

France focus on improving defense for Germany match

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.