THE DAY REPLAYED – Noise, colour and goals were all in plentiful supply as the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup began with contrasting encounters. The games in Group B were almost too close to call, with Germany and Canada emerging triumphant only after some nervy moments against Venezuela and Cameroon respectively.
It was all very different in Group A, where records fell as Mexico and Spain ran riot. El Mini Tri hit* *five against New Zealand to claim their biggest-ever win at this tournament, while Spain's Lorena Navarro managed the same amount all by herself to give hosts Jordan the toughest of baptisms.
All of this followed an opening ceremony which blended some of the traditional sights and sounds of Jordan, and culminated in the sell-out crowd - their phones flashing in the darkness - contributing to a spectacular lights show. The standard for Jordan 2016 was duly set, and the bar has been raised high.
Results*Group A *Jordan 0-6 Spain Mexico 5-0 New Zealand
Group B Venezuela 1-2 Germany Cameroon 2-3 Canada
Goal of the day Mexico 5-0 New Zealand, Celiana Torres 87 Rampant Mexico saved the best for last in their hugely impressive 5-0 demolition of New Zealand, with substitute Celiana Torres the player who brought Amman International Stadium to its feet. The 16-year-old midfielder had entered the field just a minute earlier and made the most spectacular of impacts, lashing in a brilliant left-foot effort from 30 yards that flew just inside the right-hand post.
Memorable moments*Cameroon bring the noise *Standing side by side to face their opponents in a formidable show of unity, with feet stamping, arms waving and voices raised. As New Zealand were in action today, you would be forgiven for thinking that we witnessed one of their world-famous hakas. Instead, it was Cameroon who provided the pre-match theatrics, lining up along their goal-line before charging out for action. And while it wasn't enough to inspire them to victory, the debutantes nonetheless played their part in a thrilling encounter with Canada.
Hero's welcome for Xavi Some stardust was sprinkled on proceedings at the Amman International Stadium when Xavi made a surprise appearance ahead of the hosts' opening match with Spain. The Barcelona legend certainly needed no introduction to the delighted crowd, who chanted his name and cheered as he walked around the pitch, acknowledging their support. A renowned pass master, Xavi then watched with admiration the slick interplay displayed by Spain's young female stars. As a graduate of the FIFA U-17 World Cup - a tournament he played in 13 years before winning the senior equivalent - he would also have felt real kinship with the young players attempting to make their mark.
Small in height, big on talent Having taken great pride in proving, along with cohorts such as Messi and Iniesta, that height and power are not prerequisites for football greatness, Xavi would also have revelled in the performance of Lorena Navarro. The smallest and youngest player in Spain's line-up was also their most impressive and influential, with the 15-year-old grabbing five goals to take an early lead in the adidas Golden Shoe race before laying on the sixth for Claudia Pina.
No pain, no gain Teenage girls they may be, but if you think that players at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup won't be prepared to put their heads in where it hurts for the sake of their teams, think again. Proving otherwise was Daniela Espinosa, who put her body on the line to put Mexico ahead against New Zealand, diving in to head home with a host of burly defenders closing in around her. And while bravery came at the cost of a predictable head knock amid flying boots and despairing attempted clearances, the No9 at least earned her reward - and made a point in the process.
The stat 5- Navarro's five-strike haul gives her a share in the U-17 Women's World Cup record for goals in a single game, set when Nigeria's Chinwendo Ihezuo scored five in a 11-0 win over Azerbaijan in 2012.
The words"At least you didn't come over for a boring game!" Canada coach Bev Priestman's greeting to John Herdman after the Canucks' senior boss took in the five-goal thriller against Cameroon.
Next matchday Saturday 1 October (all times local)
Group C Nigeria-Brazil, 16.00 England-Korea DPR, 19.00
Group D Ghana-Japan, 16.00 USA-Paraguay, 19.00