Nigeria Stun USA

Nigeria won a penalty shootout to claim a place in the semi-finals of the Women U-20 World Cup at the end of an enthralling struggle in Augsburg.

Ironically it was USA's golden girl Sydney Leroux who missed with the US' fifth penalty to seal the African side's 4-2 victory, their captain Christine Nairn having seen her attempt saved as well.

It was a notable triumph for the Falconets who had never before won a quarter-final berth in a FIFA women’s competition and who had faltered at the last-eight stage on three previous occasions in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Ndem Egan's team had been overrun in the second half but found their feet and plundered a magnificent equaliser through Helen Ukaonu late on. They now face Colombia in Thursday's semi-final in Bielefeld in what is a major surprise.

US started confidently and it was clear newcomer Casey Short was going to enjoy some freedom down the left. In the sixth minute Kristie Mewis invited her to run on to a through ball with her marker left standing. It was a great chance but Alaba Jonathan saved well with her legs.

In the next instant a free-kick high up the field was rolled into the path of Mewis as the Nigeria defence slept. Fortunately for them Amarachi Okoronkwo had read the danger and was back to cover.

It all proved a preamble to the inevitable USA goal. Again it was poor defending that gifted them a generous amount of room.

When a short corner was played to Mewis she was able to run several metres with nobody challenging. When she squared the ball across, Amber Brooks was on hand to side-foot her first goal of the tournament.

The second half proved a reversal of what had gone on before with Nigeria now finding some confidence and taking control of the game. And in the 79th minute came a memorable equaliser. A free-kick was rolled into the path of Ukaonu who unleashed a lethal strike which flew into the top corner of the net, leaving Henninger helpless.

In extra-time Oparanozie passed up a glorious chance having evaded two challenges. With the goal gaping she stabbed it wide. US substitute Meg Morris drew a save and as Nigeria countered as pace, there was an opening for Orji but her attempt lacked power.

With seven minutes remaining Mewis crashed a shot off the bar and then saw a header tipped over the top.

 

wow...these falconets are showing that what men can do, women sure can do better. btw, the goal that dragged nigeria level with usa shaaaaaa....