Germany crowned a string of impressive performances in Canada last night by defeating Nigeria 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2014. The result marks the third tournament win at this level for Germany’s women and the second World Cup title for a German team this summer after the senior men’s triumph in Brazil. The U-19 boys also lifted the European trophy this year.
With national team coach Silvia Neid watching on from the stands, both sides delivered a battling performance. Coach Peter Dedevbo’s side made the more promising start and repeatedly challenged Germany’s defence. In the early stages, Chinwendu Ihezuo appeared in front of Meike Kämper after receiving a pass from Courtney Dike, but the Duisburg goalkeeper confidently parried the ball clear. Kämper continued to provide her team with rock-solid support as she defused further chances for Asisat Oshoala and Ihezuo.
Nigeria dominate the early stages
Oshoala had the best opportunity to score in the 22nd minute after she wrangled the ball from Margarita Gidion and made a solo run towards Germany’s goal, but could only hit the side netting with her shot.
It seemed that little had changed immediately after the change of ends, and although the Super Falconets remained the dominant side, they were unable to convert their chances. As the second half progressed, Germany’s young women increasingly made their mark on the match and Sara Däbritz began to lead numerous attacks from midfield. Pauline Bremer had the most promising goalscoring opportunity in the 60th minute, beating the opposition defenders only to head the ball wide. In the 78th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii bravely blocked a Lena Petermann effort.
Petermann makes the breakthrough
The West African team ramped up the pressure again towards the end of the second half, and only an offside decision prevented Germany from falling behind. Just like in the men’s final in Brazil this summer, extra time was required to settle the match.
Germany finally took the lead thanks to some wonderful teamwork from Bremer and Lena Petermann. In the 98th minute, Bremer won the ball in Nigeria’s penalty area and cut it back towards Petermann in the centre, who steered the ball into the net to give her team a 1-0 lead and ultimately secure the title.
Germany crowned a string of impressive performances in Canada last night by defeating Nigeria 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2014. The result marks the third tournament win at this level for Germany’s women and the second World Cup title for a German team this summer after the senior men’s triumph in Brazil. The U-19 boys also lifted the European trophy this year.
With national team coach Silvia Neid watching on from the stands, both sides delivered a battling performance. Coach Peter Dedevbo’s side made the more promising start and repeatedly challenged Germany’s defence. In the early stages, Chinwendu Ihezuo appeared in front of Meike Kämper after receiving a pass from Courtney Dike, but the Duisburg goalkeeper confidently parried the ball clear. Kämper continued to provide her team with rock-solid support as she defused further chances for Asisat Oshoala and Ihezuo.
Nigeria dominate the early stages
Oshoala had the best opportunity to score in the 22nd minute after she wrangled the ball from Margarita Gidion and made a solo run towards Germany’s goal, but could only hit the side netting with her shot.
It seemed that little had changed immediately after the change of ends, and although the Super Falconets remained the dominant side, they were unable to convert their chances. As the second half progressed, Germany’s young women increasingly made their mark on the match and Sara Däbritz began to lead numerous attacks from midfield. Pauline Bremer had the most promising goalscoring opportunity in the 60th minute, beating the opposition defenders only to head the ball wide. In the 78th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii bravely blocked a Lena Petermann effort.
Petermann makes the breakthrough
The West African team ramped up the pressure again towards the end of the second half, and only an offside decision prevented Germany from falling behind. Just like in the men’s final in Brazil this summer, extra time was required to settle the match.
Germany finally took the lead thanks to some wonderful teamwork from Bremer and Lena Petermann. In the 98th minute, Bremer won the ball in Nigeria’s penalty area and cut it back towards Petermann in the centre, who steered the ball into the net to give her team a 1-0 lead and ultimately secure the title.
