U20 Women’s World Cup: Spain begins title defence with win, Paraguay edges Morocco

Spain kick-started their title defence with a 1-0 win over USA at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Olaya Enrique’s eighth minute strike made the difference as the Spanish team got all three points against the Americans.

Spain took just eight minutes to outclass USA as their classy tiki-taka style ended Enrique to fire past Teagan Wy.

USA searched for a comeback as Jordynn Dudley received a cross from Emeri Adames on the left, but was bullied off the ball by Spanish captain Silvia Lloris.

Eight minutes into the second half, Spain almost doubled the lead as Jone Amezaga saw her effort saved at almost point-blank range by Wy.

The American goalkeeper was the saviour again, getting down low to her left to parry Sara Ortega’s near-post effort. Spain kept pushing for a second, talented Julia Bartel stirring up the Americans.

USA looked to be getting the equaliser after been handed a penalty, but was overturned after a VAR review.

Spain have won their past six matches at the tournament while USA have won only two of their past nine outings at the tournament.

Spain will play Paraguay next while USA faces Morocco, who are having their debut at the tournament.

Paraguay prove too strong for debutants Morocco as they defeated the North Africans 2-0.

Goals from starlet Fatima Acosta in either half Fatima Acosta settled things as the South Americans won all three points.

However, Morocco got the early chance as Hajar Jbilou smacked the top-bar. They were at the receiving end next as goalkeeper Fatima Jebraoui made a fine save to stop Adriana Martinez effort.

Paraguay broke the deadlock after Acosta chipped into an unguarded goal, giving the South Americans the lead at the break.

Acosta got her second, slotting home from the penalty spot after she was brought down by Jebraoui, following a defensive error from Morocco.

This was just Paraguay’s second win in seven matches at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Morocco will go in search of their first goal and points in an herculean match against USA.