Puerto Rico’s women’s U-17 national team will look to bounce back from a 6-0 loss to North Korea in its historic debut when it faces Nigeria on Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Puerto Rico time in its second Group B match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Saturday’s defeat, in the island’s first-ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup of any category or division, saw North Korea, the two-time defending champion, score five goals in a dominant first half.
Puerto Rico improved defensively after the break, allowing only one goal in the final 45 minutes. Argentine head coach André Mirabelli said the second half was what he would remember most, and believes his side can compete on equal terms with Poland and Nigeria. Poland beat Nigeria 2-1 in the other opening match.
The top two teams in each of the six groups advance, along with the four best third-place finishers. A concern for the coaching staff is the injury of captain Camila Adame, who had to leave the match; midfielder Caroline Rivera took over on-field leadership. Rivera expressed optimism and thanked Puerto Rican fans who traveled to support the 'Huracán Azul'.