November 23 – Defending champions Korea DPR progressed to the quarter-finals, but the United States were among the casualties as the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay reached the knockout phase.
The North Koreans, who won the 2016 edition of the tournament defeating Japan on penalties in the final, had to come from behind in a hard fought 2-1 win against Cameroon in group C to ensure their spot among the last eight. Ri Su-Jong’s second half strike turned the match on its head for Korea DPR to finish runners-up behind Germany.
The Germans eliminated the United States with a thumping 4-0 victory. Shekiera Martinez scored a brace for the efficient Germans. In the 82nd minute the Americans had Talia Dellaperuta sent off. In their previous game the US had also lost 3-0 to Korea DPR.
“This has been a four-year journey for me with those girls,” said American head coach Mark Carr. “I love those girls like my own daughter. It doesn’t define us, it doesn’t define them. They’re young girls, they’re just starting their careers and while it hurts in this moment and it’s not a good feeling, when they sit back and reflect it’s going to springboard them to the next level.”
Germany will take on Canada in the quarterfinals. The Canadians suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Spain in their final group game, but had done enough in their other two group games against Colombia and Korea Republic to earn a runners-up spot. The Spanish will play Korea DPR in the last eight.
Ghana will carry Africa’s flag forward after dominating group A. On the opening day they defeated the hosts Uruguay 5-0 before beating Finland 3-1 and New Zealand 2-0 to maintain a 100% record and progress to play Mexico in the quarterfinals.
Even though the Kiwis lost their final group game, they still made history by reaching the last eight. They hosted the tournament in 2008, but never made it out of the group. This time two wins sufficed. They complete the quarterfinals line-up against Japan.
The tournament will culminate on December 1 with the final in Montevideo.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734879547labto1734879547ofdlr1734879547owedi1734879547sni@o1734879547fni1734879547