Friday 10 August 2018, 14:54

Plenty on the line on final day in Groups A and B

  • France need a draw against the Netherlands to join them in last eight

  • All four teams have a chance of advancing from Group B

  • Brazil and New Zealand must win to keep knockout stage hopes alive

MATCHDAY PREVIEW - The final round of action in Groups A and B at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 takes place on Sunday, with hosts France needing to ensure their passage to the quarter-finals with a result against already-qualified Netherlands in Saint-Malo, while New Zealand need a victory over eliminated Ghana in Concarneau to maintain their hopes of reaching the last eight.

There is all to play for in Group B, with all four teams still in with a chance of advancing to the knockout stage with a positive result. Only Brazil are in a position where claiming three points is required to potentially keep their presence at this competition going.

The games Group A: Ghana-New Zealand | Netherlands-France Group B: Brazil-Korea DPR | England-Mexico

What you need to know 1. A point will do: France will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they meet the Netherlands in their Group A finale. While a draw will be enough for Les Bleuettes to secure their place in the next round, Gilles Eyquem’s side will want to put in a performance against a Dutch outfit that have impressed in their opening two matches. Fans in Saint-Malo will be full of anticipation for this intriguing clash between two European rivals at the Stade de Marville.

2. Kiwis need Dutch assistance: New Zealand’s valiant effort to earn a draw with France has given the Junior Football Ferns the opportunity of pulling a surprise and making the quarter-finals alongside the Dutch. To achieve that, they will need to score goals against Ghana in Concarneau and hope the Netherlands earn a victory over the hosts. This would pull the Oceania side level on points with the French, with goal difference then coming into play to decide the group runners-up. The omens are good for the Kiwis, as their last encounter against the West Africans was a 1-0 win in the group stage at Papua New Guinea 2016.

3. Victory required: With very little separating all four teams in Group B, the need to claim a win on the final day is sure to be top of mind for each side. Facing Mexico for the third time in tournament history, England can also advance to the last eight with a draw against the North Americans in Saint-Malo. For Brazil, there is no margin for error, as only a win against defending champions Korea DPR in Concarneau will give the South American champions any opportunity of continuing their journey at France 2018.