The United States of America U-17 team has ended the high flying Nigerian Flamingos quest for World Cup glory with a 2-0 defeat in the quarterfinals encounter.
The USA scored once in each half of the encounter to send Nigeria crashing out of the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup at the Santiago de los Caballeros Stadium, Dominican Republic.
Recall that the Flamingos were more fancied to reach the finals of the competition due to their dexterity in the previous matches. But in the quarterfinal encounter the USA were tactically outstanding, with Kennedy Fuller and Kimmi Ascanio punishing Bankole Olowookere’s team.
This is even as the Americans stifled the Flamingos’ usually creative midfield. They denied the attackers service and found joy in attacking from the wings.
Haven worn the Nigerian out, the USA perseverance paid off when Fuller evaded Shakirat Moshood. She powered into the penalty area before the latter brought her down in the penalty box. The spot-kick was awarded following a Video Assistant Referee, VAR, review.
Fuller dusted herself up and converted for 1-0 to the USA on 43 minutes, taking the lead into the break.
At the resumption of play in the second half, Nigeria was presented the first big chance when a defensive mix-up allowed Taiwo Afolabi a good opening to equalize. Her effort was, however, saved by Evan Osteen, US goalkeeper.
The United States established their dominance and when on the 71 minutes they doubled their lead.
Ascanio slotted low the ball into the bottom corner of the net to seal their passage into the semi-finals.
source: The Cable
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
