Brazil, Nigeria and USA join Germany in quarterfinals
Group B
Nigeria 2-1 Chile
Chile’s players showed their pride in representing their country at the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022™ before a ball was even kicked. When the music cut out during their national anthem, the Rojita players carried on singing at the top of their voices.
It was Nigeria who struck first, however. In what has become a trademark of theirs at India 2022, the goal originated with a Miracle Usani long throw-in, with the ball eventually falling to captain Blessing Emmanuel, who fired home from the edge of the box. With the South Americans unable to find a route to goal, it was that goal that separated the sides at the break.
Nigeria doubled their advantage from another set-piece after the restart, with Amina Bello nodding a free-kick from the right into the path of Bisola Mosaku, who thumped the ball into the roof of the net. Tali Rovner pulled one back for Chile, who had the home fans on their side, though it was not enough to inspire them to a place in the knockout phase for the first time in their history.
This is the fourth time the Nigerians have reached the last eight, after 2010, 2012 and 2014. They have yet to progress any further in the competition.
“We put in a strong performance. Chile wanted to go through to the quarterfinals as much as we did and every player gave their all. They put up a great challenge but we gave them a lot to think about too.”
New Zealand 1-3 Germany
When Loreen Bender put Germany in front after only five minutes, it looked as if they were on their way to another big win. Emily Clegg had other ideas, though, and equalised for New Zealand five minutes later.
The score stayed that way until the second half, which began with the young fans at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium screaming their support for the European side. It seemed to inspire the Germans, with Bender restoring their lead on 54 minutes. Moments later, Alara Sehitler struck from the penalty spot to complete the scoring.
The win was Germany’s third of the group and ensured them first place, while New Zealand finished bottom with no points.
“I have a lot of fun with this team and I’m always delighted when I get the call from the coach. I’m so keen to play in such a big tournament with this team. It’s just incredible.”
Brazil 5-0 India
The home fans were in full cry as the game got under way, singing along to some booming drums. The noise did not put off the Brazilians, who went ahead after 11 minutes when Gabi Berchon capitalised on a fine assist from Aline. With five minutes of the half remaining, Aline got her name on the score-sheet to make it 2-0.
The tall forward was at it again at the start of the second half, rifling home a superb shot from outside the box to put her side three up. Lara scored twice in the closing stages to complete a comfortable win for the South Americans.
The victory secured them second place, while hosts India bowed out without a point to their name.
USA 4-0 Morocco
Though the rain fell hard as the match got under way, it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the USA players. With 24 minutes on the clock, Melina Rebimbas crossed for Charlotte Kohler to place a first-time shot into the back of the net.
The Americans had to wait until the second half to extend their lead. It came when Emeri Adames galloped away down the left and sent in a low cross that a sliding Samantha Smith converted at the far post. Minutes later, a fine passing move ended with a cool Charlotte Kohler finish that put USA 3-0 ahead.
Smith was on target again late on to round off an easy win for her side, one that sealed first place in the group. As for Morocco, defeat spelled the end of their tournament.
Up next
USA-Nigeria
Germany-Brazil
