Ecuador U20 lead France after two penalties in Women’s U20 World Cup

Ecuador U20 take a 2-1 lead into half-time against France U20 in their Women’s U20 World Cup Group C match on Wednesday, after penalties from Fiorella Pico and Justine Rouquet shaped an eventful opening 45 minutes.

Ecuador made the stronger start and moved in front after only 10 minutes. Dariana Moran finished the move to give her side a 1-0 advantage and put France under early pressure.

France responded positively and were level 11 minutes later. Rouquet converted from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, bringing France U20 back into the contest at 1-1.

The first half appeared to be moving towards the interval with the sides level, but Ecuador regained the lead before the break. Pico was awarded a penalty in the 41st minute and made no mistake from 12 yards, restoring Ecuador’s advantage at 2-1.

France now face the task of overturning the deficit after the interval, having twice been required to respond to Ecuador’s goals. The result remains finely balanced, but Ecuador will be encouraged by their ability to exploit decisive moments in the first half.

The match is the second-day fixture for both teams in Group C of the Women’s U20 World Cup. At half-time, Ecuador’s two successful penalties have separated the sides, despite Rouquet’s spot-kick briefly bringing France level.

Moran’s early goal gave Ecuador control of the opening stages, while France’s equaliser demonstrated their ability to recover quickly. However, Pico’s penalty late in the half ensured Ecuador went into the interval with the advantage.

France U20 must therefore improve after the break if they are to avoid losing ground in the match. Ecuador U20, meanwhile, will attempt to protect their narrow lead and secure a positive result from their second Group C fixture.

With only one goal separating the teams, the second half will determine whether Ecuador can hold on to their advantage or France can produce another response.