Guzman Ana of Colombia (red) in action against Bello Amina of Nigeria (white) during the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup semifinal at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.
Photo Credits: PTI
MARGAO
Colombia beat Nigeria 6-5 via sudden death in the semifinals of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup to march into their maiden final, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.
The semifinal was full of quality with the teams producing brilliant passages of play. The Flamingos dominated the game for the first 25 minutes with Amina Bello and Taiwo Aflabi leading the attack upfront and on the left, Edidiong Etim harassing the rival defence with her speed.
In the 12th minute, Colombia had a counterattack with the pace of Yessica and Linda troubling the rival defence with sporadic raids proving to be lethal. Two minutes later, Nigeria's Edidiong Etim unleashed a shot that was blocked by Colombia goalkeeper Luisa. In the 29th minute, Colombia's Linda Caiciedo's rasping volley hit the crossbar.
The Nigeria goal had a close shave as Linda almost found the net but Omanmuzo Edafe foiled her attempt. Colombia slowly took over the reins as Edafe and Edafe were busy blocking their efforts and the scoreline remained goalless. At the stroke of the break, Colombia captain Gabriela Rodriguez's goal was disallowed by the assistant referee for an offside.
Crossing over, the two sides shared equal exchanges of the ball possession but it was Colombia that went close to breaking the deadlock when Linda floated a freekick but Nigeria's Miracle Usani headed the ball out for safety. In the 61st minute, Colombian swarmed all over the rival territory and Nigeria goalkeeper Faith Omiliana was caught on the wrong foot but Comfort Folorunsho came to her side's rescue by the clearing the ball to safety. Despite multiple opportunities, Colombia could not find a breakthrough in regulation time.
In the penalty shootout, Gabriela Rodriguez, Perlaza Stefania, Espitaleta Mary, Linda Caicedo and Orategon Juana converted for Colombia while Yesica Munoz's try was saved by the Nigeria goalkeeper. Offiong Edet, Etim Ediddong, Miracle Usani, Afolabi Taiwo and Oyinlola Shakirat found the mark for Nigeria but Edafe Omanuzo's shot was saved by the Colombia goalkeeper. In the sudden death, Hernandez Natalia was successful with he spot kick for Colombia while Folorunsho Comfort failed to convert for Nigeria.
Holders Spain dump Germany
Defending champions Spain beat Germany by a solitary goal in a closely-fought semifinal here on Wednesday to set up a summit clash against Colombia in the FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup. Lucia Corrales scored the lone goal of the match in the 90th minute at the Nehru Stadium here. The final will be played at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Spain thus avenged their loss to the same opponents in the European qualifying tournament on penalty shootout in May. Spain had beaten Mexico 2-1 in the 2018 edition final. They had finished runners-up to Japan in 2014 and third in 2010 and 2016.
