Netherlands qualify at U20 Women's World Cup

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Brazil drew England 1-1 through a stoppage-time goal in Group B to stay alive at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on Wednesday.

Brazil, one of four teams having never missed the tournament so far, lost their opening round to Mexico. The regular faces went from bad to worse after conceding a penalty converted by Georgia Stanway in the 11th minute, and failed to claw back from the deficit until the stoppage time.

Substitute Ariadina Borges grabbed the spotlight as her low shot beat Sandy MacIver, earning Brazil a crucial point to remain alive in the tournament.

Georgia Stanway (L) of England celebrates after scoring the teams first goal with Charlie Wellings during the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup group B match between Brazil and England on August 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

Defending champions DPRK timely regrouped themselves after a shocking first-round loss and beat Mexico 2-1 in the other Group B match.

England top the group with four points. Mexico were ahead of the DPRK on goal difference. Brazil, snatching one point in two games, didn't see their door to qualification shut off either.

Netherlands' forward Fenna Kalma (C) is congratulated by midfielder Victoria Pelova after scoring a goal during the match between Netherlands and Ghana on August 8, 2018./VCG Photo

In Group A, the Netherlands became the first side to have secured a quarter-final berth with two consecutive victories.

New Zealand were placed third with one point, while Ghana were effectively eliminated from the tournament with two losses.

Attention will be turned to second-round matches in Group C and Group D on Thursday. Following their 2-1 victory over Haiti, China will challenge three-time winners Germany.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency