Fiji’s Young Kulas kicked off their first ever World Cup with a 9-0 defeat to 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup bronze medalists Brazil in Colombia.
Lining up in a 4-3-3, head coach Angelina Chua started with Aliana Vakaloloma in goal, a back four of Seruwaia Laulaba, Talei Moodie, Sonia Alfred and Angeline Rekha; midfueld of Carolone Qalivere, Kasanita Tabua and Preeya Singh, and forward trio of captain Adi Bakaniceva, Elesi Tabunase and Adi Naveli.
Brazil opened the scoring in the fourth minute though Lara, with Vitoria Amaral adding a double in the ninth and 24th minutes, and Vendito then contributing a two-minute brace in the 27th and 28th minutes.
Brazil resumed their dominance shortly after the second half began as Priscilla netted in the 49th. The Young Kulas regrouped to keep the South Americans at bay for half an hour, with Milena adding a seventh through a searing long-range strike in the 77th. Fernanda, who had only come on eight minutes previously, added Brazil’s eighth through a classic forward’s follow up, and Gisele added another four minutes later to equal Brazil’s U-20 Women’s World Cup record scoreline.
Despite the scoreline, 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma gave a strong account of herself in goal making a number of saves, describing the experience of making her World Cup debut after the match as “so surreal, such a blessing”.
“We just played our hearts out, all we can do is learn and grow for our next match.”
Despite the scoreline, Chua expressed gratitude to Brazil for showing her side “what it’s like to play on the international stage.”
“The players gave their all… this is a chance for Fiji to be seen by the world.”
The Young Kulas now have their sights set on recovering for their second match against Canada in three days.
Fiji: 0
Brazil: 9 (LARA 4’; Vitoria AMARAL 9’, 24’; VENDITO 27’, 28’; PRISCILLA 49’; MILENA 77’; FERNANDA 82’; GISELE 86’)
Half time: 5-0
