Ghana shock Brazil

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC): A first-half strike by Alice Danso was enough to propel Ghana to a shock 1-0 win over Brazil in Group D of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup on Thursday.

The Ghanaians, who lost their opening game against Canada, were in a defiant mood and managed to hold off the dominant South Americans to emerge victorious in the second match of a double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

With the game being played out in midfield, Ghana got the much-needed goal against the run of play to push the Brazilians on the back foot.

easiest of goals

Linda Addai's dipping shot from distance was fumbled by Brazilian goalkeeper Daniele and Danso pounced to poke home the easiest of goals.

In the day's first match, Siobhan Killeen's 76th-minute strike earned the Republic of Ireland a similar hard-fought 1-0 win over CONCACAF champions Canada, to leave all four teams on three points heading into their final Group D matches on Monday.

After a goalless opening period, Killeen produced a stunning long-range effort to give the Irish their first win, after losing their opener to Brazil.

6-0 win

In Group C, European champions Spain took a giant step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals with a handsome 3-1 win over New Zealand at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Spain led 1-0 after four minutes through Gema Gili's stunner, but the Kiwis ensured the game went to the break at 1-1 after Kate Loye's 15th-minute strike.

Sara Merida's 48th-minute free kick put Spain back in front and Paloma Lazaro's header in the 86th minute sealed the affair.

In the night's second match, Japan revived their tournament hopes in stylish fashion with a sparkling performance to overwhelm Venezuela 6-0.