Round of 16, Day One Preview | U-20 Women's World Cup

Costa Rica vs. Australia

The Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup kicks off on Thursday with a clash between Costa Rica and Australia. Costa Rica finished second in Group A behind Spain, while Australia won Group B ahead of Brazil. These two teams have never met before at the U-20 Women's World Cup.

Costa Rica will be looking to make history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time ever. The Ticas have never won a knockout match at the U-20 Women's World Cup, but they will be confident of their chances against Australia.

Australia, on the other hand, is a more experienced team at this level. The Young Matildas have reached the quarterfinals of the U-20 Women's World Cup on three previous occasions, including in 2016 when they finished third.

Australia will be the favorites in this match, but Costa Rica is a dangerous team and could cause an upset.

Nigeria vs. Netherlands

The other Round of 16 match on Thursday sees Nigeria take on the Netherlands. Nigeria finished second in Group C behind France, while the Netherlands won Group D ahead of Japan.

Nigeria is one of the most successful teams in the history of the U-20 Women's World Cup, having won the title in 2010 and 2014. The Falconets are always a threat to win the tournament, and they will be confident of their chances against the Netherlands.

The Netherlands, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the U-20 Women's World Cup. The Oranje have only reached the knockout stage once before, in 2018 when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain.

The Netherlands will be the underdogs in this match, but they are a talented team and could cause an upset.