Wednesday 08 August 2018, 18:29

New Zealand hold hosts France to goalless draw

New Zealand frustrated hosts France and held them to a goalless draw in Group A at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 on Wednesday evening.

Neither team really provided any real threat on either side’s goal in the first half at the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, which was reflected by the goalless scoreline at the break.

The hosts should have opened the scoring in the 58th minute when Emelyne Laurent went unmarked in the penalty area and received a ball just a few metres from goal with very little defensive pressure, but she put too much power on her shot and it flew over the crossbar.

France goalkeeper Mylene Chavas had to be substituted in the 69th minute after suffering a head injury following a collision when she went to collect a free-kick in the air.

Les Bleuettes continued to press for a winning goal, but the Young Football Ferns kept compact in defence and were able to hold the French to the first goalless draw at France 2018.

“Dare To Shine” Player of the Match: Selma Bacha (FRA)