Italy beat three-time champions USA as Japan begin U-20 Women’s World Cup with victory

Italy marked their first appearance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over three-time champions the United States, while Japan and Ecuador also made winning starts on an eventful Sunday.

The opening matches in Groups C and D produced two notable results, with Italy causing the biggest surprise against a United States side with a strong record in the competition.

Italy, who are newcomers to the tournament, scored twice to overcome the USA 2-1 in the final match of the day. The result gave them a memorable start on the world stage and denied the Americans an opening win.

Japan, the reigning runners-up, also began their campaign with three points after beating New Zealand 2-1. Their opponents made the stronger start, giving the Japanese a difficult opening to the match.

However, Japan’s experience eventually proved decisive. Miyu Matsunaga scored twice as the 2018 world champions recovered to overcome the Young Football Ferns and assert their authority.

Ecuador also enjoyed a landmark result in their first appearance in the finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup. They produced a composed performance against Ghana’s Black Princesses and secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

The result represented a triumphant introduction to the competition for Ecuador, who did not appear unsettled by the occasion.

The day began with a closely contested meeting between France and South Korea. Neither side could find a winning goal, with the match ending 1-1.

The four matches provided an early indication of the competitive nature of the tournament, with Japan and Ecuador taking control of their respective opening fixtures, while Italy’s victory over the USA delivered the day’s largest upset.

Sunday’s results at the U-20 Women’s World Cup

France 1-1 South Korea

Japan 2-1 New Zealand

Ecuador 3-0 Ghana

United States 1-2 Italy