Women’s U20 World Cup: Benin begin with Mexico draw as Brazil impress

The Women’s U20 World Cup opened in Poland on Saturday with a high-scoring first round of matches, as the African teams produced contrasting results.

Benin marked their first appearance at the tournament by earning a 2-2 draw against Mexico. The result gives the Guepardes U20 one point in Group A and provides a positive start to their debut on the world stage.

Tanzania, making their first appearance in the competition, were less fortunate. They were beaten 4-1 by Brazil in Group B, where the South American side made an emphatic start to their campaign.

The other Group B fixture ended level, with Canada and England drawing 1-1.

Hosts Poland also began the tournament with victory, defeating Argentina 3-0. Their result added to a lively opening day in front of the home crowd, with four matches producing 18 goals.

The opening-day results were:

– Brazil 4-1 Tanzania – Poland 3-0 Argentina – Canada 1-1 England – Mexico 2-2 Benin

The competition brings together 24 national teams and will continue in Poland until 27 September.

For Benin, the draw with Mexico represents an important first step in their inaugural appearance. They recovered sufficiently to share the points, while Tanzania’s defeat leaves them needing a response in their next Group B fixture.

Brazil’s four-goal victory was the most decisive result of the day. Poland also claimed a commanding win, while the other two matches were settled by neither side, with Benin and Mexico sharing four goals and Canada and England ending their contest at 1-1.

The tournament began with the African representatives experiencing different outcomes: Benin collected a point from their first match, while Tanzania were unable to overcome Brazil.

With the Women’s U20 World Cup running through 27 September, the opening results have established an early mixture of wins and draws across the groups. Brazil and Poland have made strong starts, while Benin have immediately placed a point on the board in Group A after their historic opening appearance.