Canada and Japan take flight as France edge Spain

 Mexico also marched on with a victory against Paraguay to complete the field for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-finals.

France defeated Spain in a sudden-death penalty shootout while Mexico edged Paraguay as the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025™ continued in dramatic fashion.

Japan and Canada each flexed their scoring muscles in the nightcaps, with the Asian side dominating Colombia and the North Americans dismantling Zambia.

France goalkeeper Nell Poye was the hero as the Bleuettes defeated European rivals Spain in a sudden-death penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals.

Poye was brought on as a late substitute for the hitherto excellent Lauryne Chevray for the spot-kicks and she made two crucial saves, including from Celia Gomez in sudden death, to help set up a last-eight clash with the Netherlands.

France had been indebted to Chevray in the 34th minute when she rushed off her line to make a point-blank save from onrushing Spain forward Lua Arufe. Spain then almost took a fortuitous lead in the 59th minute when a deep free-kick Claudia Barros which appeared to be intended as a cross flew past Chevray and clattered the post.

Spain continued to attack but Chevray held firm to secure the shootout, where Maissa Fathallah delivered the knockout blow with the winning penalty.

Quotes

"It’s exceptional for a first time with the French team in an international competition. This victory allows us to advance to the quarter-finals in the most beautiful of competitions. We may only have one in a lifetime, so it’s incredible." Nell Poye, France substitute goalkeeper

"Against Spain, we know we have to run a lot, make a lot of effort, and defend well. It’s a necessity against a team that attacks very, very well. We did it well. I think tactically, it was a very good match by the young players because we were very disciplined, very committed. I also believe we could have scored a goal. We were lucky on one or two occasions. The spirit of the young girls is rewarded as they fought hard to save balls on the line." Mickael Ferreira, France coach

"It was a very difficult game against a very strong opponent, one of the strongest to reach the round of 16. We had many chances, they practically didn't create anything. And in the end, they were very solid in their defensive phase, so we have to applaud that too. Nothing entered the net during the 90 minutes of play, and going to penalties is a lottery. On my part, I feel very frustrated for not being able to contribute more to the team."

Anna Alvarez, Spain goalkeeper

Player of the Match: Lauryne Chevray (France)

Mexico emerged triumphant in the battle of the Americas as they edged past Paraguay to set up a quarter-final clash with Italy.

El Tricolor took the lead when Berenice Ibarra expertly headed a Valeria Alvarado corner downwards and into the net. Moments later, forward Ava Stack came close with a powerful effort which was well saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Tamara Amarilla. 

Ibarra almost scored again in the 62nd minute when she utilised the swirling wind to strike a deep free-kick on target but Amarilla read it well and tipped the ball onto the crossbar. Claudia Martinez came close to finding a late leveller for Paraguay in the 85th minute after a brilliant individual run but she struck the ball straight at Valentina Murrieta.

Quotes

"We set out to take it step by step, and I think today we did well to manage the last 16 and are now in the next round, which makes me very happy. It was difficult, and also because of the stage we're at, where it's just a single match. I feel that after we took the lead, we were too concerned with keeping a clean sheet, and I think that cost us a little in terms of our organisation and we stopped creating chances up front."  Miguel Gamero, Mexico coach"Our first half was very bad. We have been coaching Paraguay since January and haven't played like this before, but of course, they are under-17s and it happens – we're now also seeing the two best teams going home, Spain and USA, and that's a symbol for this type of knockout stage, this completely crazy game. So I think the first half was disappointing from us and in the second half we improved a little bit."

we improved a little bit." Luiz Almeida, Paraguay coach

Player of the Match: Joselyn Solis (Mexico)

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Canada 6-0 Zambia