Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup: Chile stun New Zealand for first win

Margao:Chile stuck to their plan and ended up deserving 3-1 winners against New Zealand in the opening group B match of the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday.
Ambar Figueroa (12’), Tali Rovner (22’) and Anais Cifuentes (64’) scored a goal each to give Chile their first win in the history of the competition.
Emily Clegg (52’) pulled one back in the second half but it was not enough New Zealand who finished third during the last edition of the tournament.
Chile are playing in their second World Cup after a poor showing in the 2010 edition when they lost all their three group matches. They showed intent right from the start as they looked to create openings.
The South Americans were always a threat going forward and it took them 12 minutes to take the lead. Constanza Oliver did well to use her pace and keep the ball in play. The right winger then found Ambar right on the edge of the six-yard box and the attacker poked the ball past helpless New Zealand custodian Aimee Feinberg-Danieli.
New Zealand tried to regroup with a promising effort from Kiara Bercelli and then Emily’s volley fell straight into the hands of Chile goalkeeper Catalina Alvarado.
But New Zealand’s hope of a fight back came crashing down when Aimee brought down Oliver inside the danger zone to receive a booking and hand a needless penalty to the opposition.
Tali then stepped up and converted from the spot with ease, sending Aimee the wrong way.
With a two-goal advantage, Chile were happy with a dream start and tried to slow down the pace of the game. They allowed New Zealand to have more of the ball and didn’t mind defending.
At the other end, Emily was unfortunate not to score after having decent chances. Her grounder was parried for an abortive corner and she then shot straight into Catalina Alvarado in a one-on-one situation.
New Zealand kept pushing pulled a goal back after the change of ends as Emily sent in a thundering right-footer after the Chile defence failed to clear a corner kick by Helena Errington.
Chile knew they had to score and not rely on their slender lead.
Anais Cifuentes had tried several long rangers, but it was her powerful long ranger just after the hour mark that gave no chance to the diving Aimee and signalled the first win in this competition for the South Americans.