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 today.
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.
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Vitoria Amaral of Brazil exchanges the pennant with Adi Bakaniceva of Fiji prior to the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Caroline Qalivere of Fiji reacts during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Gi Fernandes of Brazil battles for the ball Caroline Qalivere of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Vendito of Brazil battles for the ball against Sonia Alfred of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Gi Fernandes of Brazil battles for the ball Elesi Tabunase of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Carol of Brazil battles for the ball against Adi Naiveli of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Players of Fiji pose for a team photo prior to the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Adi Bakaniceva of Fiji enters the pitch with mascot before the pitch prior to the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Players of Fiji line up for the national anthem prior tothe Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Angeline Rekha of Fiji battles for the ball Carla of Brazil during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Players of Fiji line up for the national anthem prior to the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Angeline Chua, Head Coach of Fiji gives instructions to Pijila Kilaiwaca of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Vendito of Brazil battles for the ball Seruwaia Laulaba of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 31: Vendito of Brazil battles for the ball Seruwaia Laulaba of Fiji during the Group B FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 match between Brazil and Fiji at Estadio Atanasio Girardot on August 31, 2024 in Medellin, Colombia. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
