‘We knew it was going to be tough’ — New Caledonia coach at U-20 World Cup
New Caledonia have lost their opening game 5-0 to China PR at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Coach Leon Waitronyie remains proud of the team’s effort, as they made history with their debut at the global tournament.
“I told the girls before we went out onto the pitch that we had to give everything this afternoon, to play with our hearts,” he said.
“We knew it was going to be tough. I told them: ‘If you do things together, I think we can reduce the gap in levels.’ But in any case, we expected it, and we’re still happy to come away with a 5-0 defeat.”
New Caledonia and New Zealand are Oceania’s two representatives at the tournament in Poland. New Zealand lost their opening game 2-1 to Japan.
READ MORE: Penalty denies New Zealand in opening game at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup >>>>
Huang Jiaxin scored a devastating 12-minute hat-trick as China PR stepped up a gear in the second half to break a brave resistance from New Caledonia.
The Asian side also had Chen Ruilin to thank for the victory, with the half-time substitute assisting four of her side’s five goals.
Goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben kept the debutants in the game in the opening half by putting in an inspired performance to keep the game scoreless.
After wasting a number of chances, China PR opened the deadlock just 23 seconds into the second half as Xiao Yafei converted a dangerous cross from Ruilin from close range.
China PR hit the woodwork twice before turning on the gas as Huang put in a clinical goalscoring display, with Zhou Xinyi also finding the target.
New Caledonia’s goalkeeper, Aben, was philosophical about the result.
“This is a first in the history of women’s football in New Caledonia,” she said.
“It’s a first for us to play in a World Cup. It allows us to gain experience, but also to find out what the highest level is all about.
“I come away from this match without regrets, but proud of the whole team and the staff.”
Results
Games played on Tuesday September 8, 2026 (NZT)
Group F
New Caledonia 0
China 5 (Yafei Xiao 46′, Jiaxin Huang 71′, 80′, 83′, Zhou Xinyi 74′)
Spain 2 (Marísa García 13′, Alba Cerrato 73′)
Nigeria 0
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Spain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Nigeria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| New Caledonia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday September 11, 2026 (NZT)
Spain v New Caledonia
Arena Sosnowiec (Sosnowiec), 1am (NZT)
China v Nigeria
Arena Sosnowiec (Sosnowiec), 4am (NZT)
Games to be played on Monday September 14, 2026 (NZT)
Nigeria v New Caledonia
Stadion Miejski LKS, Łódź, 1am (NZT)
China v Spain
Arena Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, 1am (NZT)
This story was first published on September 7, 2026.
More football stories
Crédito: Link de origem