The PNG U20 Team did not feature in any qualifier but will make their appearance in this year’s World Cup, as host.
They will compete in Pool A with Heavyweights Brazil, Sweden and Korea DPR.
The opportunity to host the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, landed on PNG’s palm in 2013, after Ghana passed up the opportunity to do so.
PNG, whose National football teams have never made an appearance in any World Cup, took up the challenge, and brought together a team of young women who have featured previously in other tournaments nationally and in the region.
Lack of exposure to the World Cup was quickly ironed out through former Boston Breakers Head Coach, Lisa Cole.
The American was given the task of grooming these young women late last year. Seeing potential, Coach Cole set out to improve on team organisation and tactical awareness.
Now with just 2 days to their first Match Day, the inexperienced PNG side will face Brazil, a team who has had domineering tactics at the last 7 World Cups.
PNG’s Coach Cole urged the country to have realistic expectations.
They will brave heavyweights, Brazil on Sunday, and as Coach Cole reiterated, they will be setting the level to play for footballers in the country.
