Korea DPR begin title defence with defeat to England
Hosts France show title credentials against Ghana
Mexico claim maiden victory over Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The opening round of matches at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 brought some historic results, including Mexico beating Brazil for the first time ever, newcomers the Netherlands taking all three points and reigning champions Korea DPR slipping to defeat. Meanwhile, hosts France, who finished as runners-up at the last tournament in 2016, served notice of their title credentials.
Results Group A: New Zealand 1-2 Netherlands | France 4-1 Ghana Group B: Mexico 3-2 Brazil | Korea DPR 1-3 England
France 2018: Matchday One
Memorable moments
Early goals This year's U-20 Women's World Cup began in frenetic fashion. The opening game between Mexico and Brazil stood at 1-1 after just six minutes following goals from Katty Martinez and Kerolin Nicoli. France started equally brightly, with Emelyne Laurent breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute of their triumph over Ghana.
Korea DPR's run comes to an end Korea DPR had not lost a game at this tournament since 24 August 2014 when they succumbed to France in the play-off for third place. Indeed, they won every match en route to glory at the 2016 edition. However, on Sunday, they were stunned by England in Dinan-Lehon. The North Koreans will have to bounce back quickly, if they are to defend their title.
Perfect debut The Netherlands became the 34th nation to participate at this competition and they could not have wished for a better introduction. Fenna Kalma and Eva van Deursen wrote their names into the record books as the country's first scorers, as the Oranje beat New Zealand 2-1.
The words "We are a family, on and off the pitch. You can tell that by the way we performed today. What more can you ask for than playing with your best friends?” Alessia Russo, who scored a brace in England's victory over Korea DPR
Up next
Group A Netherlands vs Ghana, Vannes, 16:30 local time France vs New Zealand, Vannes, 19:30 local time
Group B Brazil vs England, Dinan-Lehon, 13:30 local time Korea DPR vs Mexico, Dinan-Lehon, 16:30 local time