Late strike takes Spain past Germany and into final

Spain beat Germany 1-0 in Wednesday’s second semifinal to join Colombia in the final of the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022™.

Chances were few and far between in a tight game that seemed destined for penalties. Spain’s best opportunity of the first half came 10 minutes in, when Vicky Lopez broke clear down the left and sent in a fine cross that Cristina Libran headed against the bar.

Relying on long balls in a bid to create danger, Germany went close through a Paulina Platner free-kick just before the hour mark and did so again minutes later, when Svea Stoldt picked up possession on the right, broke into the box and tested Sofia Fuente in the Spain goal.

With a shootout looming, Spain broke the deadlock. Lucia Corrales was the matchwinner, prodding the ball in from close range to send her side into Sunday’s final.

Waiting for them there are Colombia, who beat Nigeria on penalties in the day’s opening semifinal, which had ended goalless. Germany will take on the Africans in the match for third place.

Spain's late show

La Rojita’s winner came just as the clock ticked into stoppage time and owed much to the perseverance of Ainhoa Alguacil. Collecting Noe Correro’s throw-in on the right, the midfielder held off two defenders and crossed for the opportunistic Corrales to clip the ball into an empty net.

Having sent Correro, Alguacil and Corrales on in the second half, Spain coach Kenio Gonzalo could take extra satisfaction from the goal.

“We’re so proud and so are our families, who are cheering us on back home. The whole country’s behind us and we couldn’t be happier.” Spain forward Lucia Corrales

Up next

Nigeria-Germany - Match for third place 30 October, 16:30 local time (GMT +5:30) DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Colombia-Spain - Final 30 October, 20:00 local time (GMT +5:30) DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai