France’s Under-20 women saw their World Cup run end under the Polish lights, overwhelmed by a Canada side driven by an unstoppable Kaylee Hunter. The 18-year-old forward struck three times as France were beaten 3-1 in the last 16.
Hunter takes control for Canada
The French side struggled to match Canada’s intensity and spent long spells under pressure. Hunter, wearing the No. 10 shirt, turned that superiority into a decisive first-half advantage.
- Canada’s strongest spell produced the opening goal in the 28th minute, when Hunter unleashed a powerful strike from around 25 metres to beat France goalkeeper Alyssa Fernandes.
- Five minutes later, Hunter doubled the lead. She finished a flowing move inside the French penalty area, leaving Fernandes to collect the ball from her net again.
- France did not find the response required after the interval, and Canada remained in command.
- Hunter completed her hat-trick in the 70th minute, making it 3-0 and ending any realistic prospect of a French comeback.
- Kenza Roche Dufour scored in the 81st minute to reduce the deficit, but her late goal only softened the final score.
French campaign ends in the last 16
France had no sustained revival after falling two goals behind and were deservedly eliminated by a Canadian team that looked sharper and more forceful across the pitch.
The 3-1 defeat sends the young French team home at the round-of-16 stage of the World Cup in Poland. For the defence, Hunter’s display will be difficult to forget: a long-range blast, a close-range finish and a second-half third goal delivered a complete individual performance on the night.
