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| PNG`s Nicollete Ageva (10) and Sweden's Tove almqvist wrestling for the ball at the Sir John Gisue Stadium picture by Mark Talia Post Courier Photographer |
By FIDELIS SUKINA
Four goals to Sweden Striker Stina Blackstenius featured in the 6-0 thumping of Papua New Guinea in the second game of Pool A of the FIFA U20 Womens World Cup on the 16th of November 2016.
Blackstenius and her deep running caused a lot of headaches to Papua New Guineas backline as the
striker put in four seemingly easy goals.
Papua New Guinea conceded an early goal in the eight minute when Blackstenius and fellow forward Anna Anvegard’s short passing game in the goal mount saw a startled PNG goal keeper Lavina Hola rush out before Blackstenius kicked one pass her for a goal.
PNG couldn’t get their passes right and their kicks were off target on a lot of occasions, and to add to PNGs misery Sweden’s long passing and high balls made it even more difficult to counter their running onto accurate trough balls.
But PNG got aggressive and numbered up in defense holding them off for 1-0 until Blackstenius scored her second goal in the 43rd minute.
PNG flanker Nicolette Ageva and Midfielder Ramona Padio were wasted on occasion with in accurate passing from team mates resulting in them over running and falling short on through balls.
After a 2-0 first half PNG came back well but two more goals from Blackstenius in the 58th and 72nd minute showed PNG had been trained and were fatigued, leaving the Swedish to push forward running in two more goals in the 75th and 82nd minute.
Padio showed passion during extra time trying her aim at the goal post twice on both occasions flying above the goal post.
PNG coach Lisa Cole said she was happier about their performance than their previous game against Brazil, and commended the home crowd support.
“I think the team performed well than the last game despite the score line, they showed a lot of heart and our tactical skills worked well this time.
“Our backline was better than the other day as well, and the crowd seemed to be behind us and cheered on when we had good opportunities but it would have been nice to score a goal and hear the cheer of the whole Papua New Guinea,” Cole said
Sweden coach Calle Barrling said he was impressed with Papua New Guineas performance, but he did agree they would have gone and scored more.
“We scored six goals and in an international tournament that’s great, but we dropped a bit in the first half, if not we might have scored more maybe 10 goals.
“But I was surprised with the PNG team they showed a lot of skill and they were fast as well and physical and they gave a good challenge, and the crowd was great PNG really proved better than I thought,” Barrling said
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