Spain's Marina Rivas in action against Mexico.
PANAJI
Earlier in May, an impressive Carla Camacho header gave Spain the lead in the 63rd minute of the UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship finals at the Stadion Grbavica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Just when the Spaniards thought they had the title wrapped up, Germany's Mara Alber curled one into the far post from outside the box to level the scoreline 2-2 as Die Mannschaft went on to beat the Iberian side 3-2 on penalties and lift the championship.
164 days later, the two European giants meet once again at another crucial juncture, this time being the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at the Fatorda Stadium.
Germany have looked very dominant since the tournament began, winning all three matches in Group B. The Friederike Kromp-led side knocked Brazil out in the quarters with a brilliant 2-0 victory while competitors Spain have had to work their socks off throughout the campaign. The Spaniards left it late as Vicky López's brace subdued Momoka Tanikawa's 66th-minute world-class strike to give Spain a thrilling 2-1 victory in their quarter-final bout.
Spain have a shot at vengeance on Wednesday but will have to give their everything against a robust German side. Midfielder Marina Rivas and co could have a significant task on their hands in trying to break down potential German attacks.
Friederike Kromp could opt to play in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system. Whatever the composition, attacking options Loreen Bender, Marie Steiner and Mara Alber have given grief to every opposition the Germans have come across.
Both sides are quite familiar with each other and can put on strong attacking displays. Will Spain's star striker Carla Camacho who failed to convert a penalty in the quarters end her barren run? or will Mara Alber come back to haunt the Spaniards once again remains to be seen.
Nigeria face Colombia acid test
Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals in what was a historic feat after upsetting the mighty United States on penalties.
The Africans earned their place in the knockouts after beating Chile 2-1 in the final match of Group B, finishing behind leaders Germany.
They now go up against a vibrant Colombia that eased past Tanzania 3-0 in the quarters. Nigeria put in a solid performance against the US by sitting tight in defence and thwarting multiple goal-scoring attempts.
The Flamingos were visibly nervous during the penalty shoot-out with many players kneeling in prayer for a positive outcome and elated did they go home.
In Colombia, the Nigerians will be up against a disciplined opposition that can amp up their game if they sniff blood. Mercurial forward Linda Caicedo already has four goals to her name and a goal against Nigeria could see her run clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
Nigeria only managed to find the net against the US after getting awarded a penalty from a VAR check in the first half. The Africans will have to be clinical in goal to stand a chance against Colombia.
PLAYING TODAY
> Nigeria vs Colombia, 4:30 pm, Fatorda Stadium
> Germany vs Spain, 8 pm, Fatorda Stadium
