PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – CONCACAF side Canada secured a narrow win to open their FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup on a high at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Monday.
The Canadians, who finished on top the standings in the CONCACAF qualifying competition, got a 54th minute goal by Haisha Cantave to eke out a 1-0 victory over Ghana.
While the Africans often looked the better side, however, the North Americans’ patient game plan paid dividends and earned them all three points in Group D already being called the “Group of Death”.
The lone goal came nine minutes after the break when Chantale Campbell’s corner was headed home by Cantave.
Canada will next meet the Republic of Ireland in Arima tomorrow while Ghana, take on Brazil.
In the other group game at the same venue, Glaucia scored a goal in either half as South American champions Brazil were made to work before overcoming Ireland with a 2-1 victory.
She netted in the fourth and 61st minute to ensure Ireland were shut out, after the European side pulled level through Siobhan Killeen in the 58th minute.
At the Ato Boldon Stadium, reigning European champions Spain hammered Japan 4-1 on to make a fine start to their Group C campaign.
Iraia Perez opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Alexia Putellas (28th), Laura Gutierrez (41st) and Raquel Pinel (55th) added goals to complete the rout.
Japan’s lone goal was scored by Kumi Yokoyama in the 56th minute but the Asians were never in contention.
In the other game at the venue, Venezuela had to come from behind before beating New Zealand 2-1.
Kate Loye put the Kiwis ahead in the 10th minute but Ysaura Viso (24th, 67th) stroked in a double to give the South Americans victory.
