PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – In a battle of CONCACAF and European champions, the United States and France, respectively, wrangled to a 0-0 draw in the opening Group C match for each at the 2016 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup on Monday.
The French held a 17-3 advantage in shots attempted, but neither side created solid scoring opportunities at the steamy PNG Football Stadium.
"I think we put ourselves in the best position to get acclimated with the pre-tournament camp we had in Australia," said U.S. head coach Michelle French. "You could tell both teams got pretty fatigued towards the end of the game and you could see that in the cramping."
Madeline Elliston made the play of the match in the 59th minute, lunging to block a shot from the top of the six-yard box by France’s Clara Mateo, after Delphine Cascarino raced through the right side of the American penalty area before pulling the back for the 18-year-old Juvisy forward.
U.S. forward Mallory Pugh, who won the Golden Ball at the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship and is regular with the senior squad, attempted a low shot in the 31st minute that France goalkeeper Mylene Chavas got down quickly to handle.
The U.S. returns to action on Thursday against first-place New Zealand, a 1-0 winner over Ghana.
