China beats Mexico in FIFA U17 Women's World Cup

Huang Jiaxin (L) of China competes during the first round of group C match against Mexico at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Navi Mumbai, India, on Oct. 12, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)

MUMBAI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China defeated Mexico 2-1 in the first round of group C in FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup here on Wednesday.

The Mexican team was awarded a penalty in the 35th minute, when Chinese defender Huang Jiaxin committed a handball inside the box, but Maribel Flores' shot was denied by the crossbar.

China broke the deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half. Huang was knocked over in the box, giving China's captain Qiao Ruiqi the chance to step up and convert the subsequent penalty.

Substitute Yu Xingyue doubled the lead for the young "Steel Roses" in the 90th minute after skipping through the defense in a counterattack and tipping the ball home.

Two minutes into the stoppage time, Katherin Guijarro pulled one back for Mexico. The Mexican girls almost leveled the match in the last minute, but the lethal volley shot from Valerie Vargas was saved by Chinese goalie Liu Chen.

In the second round of group C, China will meet Colombia, while Mexico will face Spain on Saturday.