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Stars Soccer Review (SSR) Magazine Match
Coverage |
Host Germany U-20 wins Women's World Cup
Germany won the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
after defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the final at
Bielefeld, while Korea Republic defeated
Columbia 1-0 for third place on
JI So Yun item
It was the second U-20 Women’s title for
Germany (after winning the crown in Thailand in
2004) and the first time a host country has
lifted the U-20 Women’s trophy. In the match for
third place Korea Republic defeated Columbia 1-0
to reach the furthest at any FIFA World Cup in
its history.
Germany took an early lead on Alexandra Popp 10th
item and was the beneficiary of an own goal late
in extra time to register the 2-0 win. But it
was not at as easy as the home crowd had
envisioned, since Nigeria was up for the task.
The capacity crowd in Bielefeld was certain that
Popp’s goal which gave Germany the early 1-0
lead in the 8th minute was the start
of a one-sided game, but Nigeria fought to the
end and it was only at the second goal which was
in injury time, that the game was out of reach
and all hopes were dashed.
For their efforts, Nigeria will be remembered as
the first African team to appear in the final of
any FIFA Women’s World Cup or Olympic Games. But
that could not hold back their disappointment of
missing out on the ultimate victory for the
title which will also lingered with its U-20
Women well after the tournament.
Although the Falconets could be commended for
raising their level of intensity and improving
their play up to and including the final, it was
not enough to beat a potent Germany team. But
give Nigeria's credit the held Germany which was
undoubtedly the better team to a minimum.
Oparanozie was also a tyrant in the midfield and
utilized her physical attributes to keep Germany
off rhythm and Nigeria in the game. But through
it all, Germany remained in charge as they kept
goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan very busy in the
Nigeria net.
It is as a
result of the pressure the
second (own) goal came in added time as Germany
forced two corners in which on the second, Kulig
powerful header rebound off the post, off
Osinachi Ohale's back and across the goal line
into Nigeria's net.
Popp won the Adidas Golden Boot and Golden Ball
award as the top goal scorer and MVP
respectively, while
Bianca
Henninger of USA won the Golden Glove as the
Best Goalkeeper
at the FIFA 2010 Germany tournament.
JI So Yun of Korea Republic was the runners-up
in both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot
categories, while her team deservedly won the
Fair Play Award.
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