In their first World Cup match, Fiji’s Young Kulas lost 9-0 to Brazil in Colombia.
The team, led by head coach Angelina Chua, played in a 4-3-3 formation with Aliana Vakaloloma in goal.
Brazil scored in the fourth minute through Lara, with Vitoria Amaral adding a double in the ninth and 24th minutes. Vendito contributed a two-minute brace in the 27th and 28th minutes. Priscilla scored for Brazil in the 49th minute.
Brazil continued to dominate in the second half, but the Young Kulas managed to keep the South Americans at bay for half an hour. However, Milena added a seventh goal with a long-range strike in the 77th minute.
Fernanda, who had only come on eight minutes previously, scored Brazil’s eighth goal. Gisele added another four minutes later, equaling Brazil’s U-20 Women’s World Cup record scoreline.
Goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma made several saves and described the experience as “surreal and such a blessing.”
Chua thanked Brazil for showing her side what it’s like to play on the international stage and praised the players’ efforts.
The Young Kulas will now focus on their second match against Canada in three days.
