The U20 Women’s World Cup final was set as the semifinal matches took place on Wednesday.
Korea DPR 2 – 6 Nigeria (Moncton)
A semifinal record eight goals were scored as Nigeria routed Korea DPR 6-2 in the first match of the evening. Asisat Oshoala scored four times herself, propelling Nigeria into Sunday’s championship match.
Nigeria opened the scoring after only a minute of play when Oshoala sprung Courtney Dike behind two of Korea DPR’s defenders. Dike allowed the ball to roll just outside the box before picking her spot inside the far post and firing the ball past Kim Chol Ok who had come far off her line.
A defensive error by Korea DPR would prove costly in the 24th minute as a poor touch near the centerline allowed for Oshoala to steal the ball. With the defense cluttered around the midfield, the mistake allowed for a two on one break for Nigeria. Kim charged out of the box in an attempt to challenge for the ball, but Oshoala was took a quick touch to her right and found herself with a wide open net, giving Nigeria a 2-0 lead.
Korea DPR responded with a goal of their own less than ten minutes later after a long ball from the midfield found Ri Un Sim with space. Ri was cut the ball inside, beating two defenders in the process and launched a powerful shot in the top left corner of the goal. Ri’s goal seemed to light a spark in Korea DPR’s offense as they pushed hard for an equalizer, but the score would remain 2-1 Nigeria at the half.
Nigeria started the second half much like the first, increasing their lead to 3-1 after only ten minutes of play. Oshoala was once again involved in the play as she sent a near perfect cross to Uchechi Sunday making a run at the back post. Sunday volleyed the ball point blank at Kim who could do nothing to stop the goal. Much like the quarterfinal against New Zealand, Sunday scored a mere minute after entering the match.
Oshoala would score three more times before this match was done, the first coming in the 60th minute off a 20 yard rocket that flew into the top corner of the goal. The hat trick was completed in the 68th minute when a blocked clearance fell to her feet. Oshala was able to beat a defender and win the footrace with Kim to give Nigeria a 5-1 lead. Another defensive miscue allowed for her fourth as the ball was given away in the 6 yard box for an easy tap in.
In between Oshala’s second half hat trick, Korea DPR was able to find the back of the net once again. A header towards goal came of the arm of a Nigeria defender and a penalty was awarded. Jon So Yon was able to convert the penalty which at the time brought Korea DPR within a goal of tying the game. That would be the only real chance for Korea DPR though as defensive errors and strength of Nigeria’s attack made this contest a mostly one sided event.
This marks the second time that Nigeria have reached the final of the U20 Women’s World Cup.
Germany 2 – 1 France (Montreal)
Germany secured a spot in the U20 Women’s World Cup final for the third time after defeating France 2-1 in semifinal play. Both teams had been solid through group play and the quarterfinal, and this match proved to be one of the more even and exciting displays of the tournament.
The first goal came in the 12th minute as Germany’s Theresa Panfil chipped a ball over the France defense that found Sara Dabritz. Dabritz’s shot was blocked, but Pauline Bremer was left all alone streaking through the box and easily put away the rebound, giving Germany an early 1-0 lead.
Though it was Germany who struck first, France would have the remainder of the opportunities in the half, relentlessly attacking the German defense. France was unable to capitalize on key chances though, and missed several opportunities to level the score or even draw ahead including one in the 35th minute. Mylaine Tarrieu showed some incredible skill in faking out her defender and forcing Meike Kamper to make an excellent reflexive save from point blank range. The rebound went straight to a wide open Sandie Toletti, whose header went high over the crossbar. Kamper would go on to make several other quality saves to keep Germany in the lead.
It was in the last minute of the first half when France’s persistence finally paid off and it was the captain Griedge Mbock Bathy who drew France even. The goal came from a corner kick from Claire Lavogez which dropped down between several France players. The captain struck a solid volley which was immediately deflected and sailed over the head of Kamper.
Most of the second half was evenly matched as both teams pushed to find a winner. France again had some early opportunities but Germany’s defensive efforts and quality goalkeeping kept the game level. With less than ten minutes remaining, the possibility of extra time and penalties if needed loomed closer.
There would be a winner, however, when Germany was able to regain the lead on a corner kick in the 81st minute. Rebecca Knaak’s header bounced off what appeared to be the shoulder of a defender coming over to cover the far post. The ball was returned back towards the goal by Germany and was poked in by Lena Petermann, giving Germany the 2-1 advantage. Though France fought hard in the final minutes of play, there were unable to find an equalizer again.
Germany will face Nigeria in the final on Sunday at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. This will be the second time the two teams have squared off in the final of this tournament, with Germany winning the last match up on home soil. France will face Korea DPR in the third place playoff also on Sunday at the same venue.
Feature Photo courtesy of FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
