Hopes of winning the first world title in female football
crashed in the early hours of today, as the USA won their way into a third FIFA
U-20 Women’s World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over 2010 finalists Nigeria in
Tokyo.
Goals midway through either half from Morgan Brian and
Kealia Ohai proved enough for the two-time champions to see off the hitherto
unbeaten Africans and set up a decider against either holders Germany or hosts
Japan. Nigeria made the brighter start as Francisca Ordega latched onto a
through ball on seven minutes and beat USA goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin in a
race to the ball, only for her prodded effort to go wide of the post.
Brian scored the all-important opening goal halfway
through the first half, perfectly directing a header over goalkeeper Ibubeleye
Whyte, following Mollie Pathman’s cross from the left. USA were in the
ascendency after the goal, and created several chances in the closing stages of
the half. Cari Roccaro pushed a first-time effort over the crossbar directly
from a corner, while Kelly Cobb headed onto the roof of the net.
The half-time came at an opportune time for Nigeria,
despite the Africans dominating possession
overall during the opening period. Nigeria thought they
had drawn level soon into the second half but Desire Oparanozie’s effort was
ruled out for offside. Almost immediately a skilful run from Ngozi Okobi set up
Oparanozie for a gilt-edged opportunity to draw level, only for the No9 to
blaze over.
However, midway through the second half came a hammer
blow for the Nigerians as substitute Samantha Mewis pushed a short
defence-splitting pass through for Ohai to get the better of her marker and
score. The Stars and Stripes will now have the opportunity to win their third
title in Saturday’s final, following previous U-20 women's triumphs in 2002 and
2008.
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