Sunday marked the final chapter of the group phase at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup currently taking place in Poland as the full knockout bracket was finally confirmed.
While reigning heavyweights Spain and DPR Korea maintained perfect records at the summit of their respective groups, emphatic victories from Nigeria and Portugal secured their progression, dragging China PR and Colombia into the last 16 as the final best-performing third-placed sides.
Striver.Football recaps all the action from matchday nine.
Group E: DPR Korea and Portugal Secure Progression
Colombia 0–3 DPR Korea
DPR Korea put on a masterclass at Stadion Miejski LSK Lodz, easing past Colombia to top Group E with a perfect nine points.
Choe Rim-Jong broke the deadlock early in the first half with a brilliant individual effort, dancing past two defenders before curling home.
Despite strong resistance and smart saves from Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo, the Asian powerhouse sealed the victory late on as Choe Yon-A converted two penalties inside the final ten minutes.
Portugal 3–0 Costa Rica
Tournament debutants Portugal made history at Arena Sosnowiec, securing their first-ever victory and goals at this level to clinch second place in Group E.
Anna Marques opened the scoring early by nodding in following a deflected corner routine initiated by Carolina Tristao. Tristao added a dazzling individual goal before the break, and Marques completed her brace in the second half.
The Iberians hit the woodwork three times in a dominant display over Costa Rica, who exit the tournament without a point.
Group F: Spain Cruise Past China; Nigeria Run Riot Against New Caledonia
China 1–3 Spain
Spain wrapped up their group commitments with a flawless three-win record, overcoming a battling China side at Arena Sosnowiec.
La Rojita broke the deadlock early when Daniela Agote converted from the penalty spot following a handball infringement.
Playmaker Pau Comendador then produced a masterclass just before the interval, netting an exquisite 15-yard volley before adding a blistering long-range strike.
China defender Huang Jiaxin, who conceded the initial spot-kick, redeemed herself after the break by nodding home her fourth goal of the tournament, but Spain comfortably coasted through to the next round.
Nigeria 10–1 New Caledonia
Nigeria's Falconets delivered a statement of intent in Lodz, overwhelming tournament debutants New Caledonia in a ten-goal onslaught.
Ramotalahi Kareem spearheaded the attack by claiming a brilliant hat-trick, while Rebecca Adegbemile and Winner Onajite David each notched doubles.
Further strikes from Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu sealed the dominant scoreline.
Despite the heavy defeat, New Caledonia wrote a memorable page in their footballing history when Joceline Kourevi curled home a stunning long-range effort late on for the nation's maiden goal at a global finals.
Matchday 9 in Numbers
10 - Goals recorded by a ruthless Nigerian side in their comprehensive victory over New Caledonia.
3 - Maximum group-stage wins secured cleanly by both Spain and DPR Korea heading into the knockouts.
4 - Tournament goals reached by China's Huang Jiaxin following her second-half header against La Rojita.
1 - Historic, celebrated first-ever World Cup goal scored by both Portugal and New Caledonia.
