COUNTDOWN: How Falconets fared at the 2010 WC semis

The Super Falconets of Nigeria will play their third successive semi-finals game at the U-20 Women’s World Cup when they meet Korea DPR at Moncton Stadium, Moncton on Wednesday.

To whet your appetite ahead the game, we bring you how the team fared in the 2010 edition – their first semi-final game after four unsuccessful attempts.

Early goal proves winner

The Falconets became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final, overcoming Colombia with a second-minute goal by Ebere Orji in Bielefeld, Germany.

The South Americans couldn’t play their usual passing game, as the pitch became waterlogged due to rain. It made conditions difficult for them, so were restricted to few opportunities by the Falconets who seized on their early chance and then produced a solid, organised performance to the delight of their numerous fans on the terraces. Many missed the first goal, though.

A speculative cross inside the opposition half by captain Joy Jegede took a bounce inside their penalty area. The ball took a bounce over goalkeeper Paula Forero and against the crossbar with Orji taking advantage of the rebound to score.

With the condition of the pitch, Colombia resorted to long shots at the Falconets goal with Yorely Rincon and Daniela Montoya coming close with their efforts.

But their best chance for an equaliser came from a corner kick. A flick into the box fell to captain Natalia Gaitan at the far post but before she could control the ball and aim for goal, the angle became tight with several defenders standing in the way. Her effort was deflected to safety.

The second half was a bit cagey as the two sides gave nothing away. As the half wore on, however, Colombia grew in belief and almost drew level. In the 73rd minute, substitute Katerin Castro fired a shot at goal which the Nigeria goalkeeper struggled to deal with and was lucky not to have conceded.

Another narrow escape for Nigeria came when Rincon’s shot beat goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan only for the ball to come back off the bar with no one on hand to profit from the rebound. Nigeria held on and faced Germany in Sunday’s final after the host beat Korea Republic 5-1 in the other semi-final.

Line-ups

Nigeria: Jonathan, Nku, Sunday (-38′), Orji, Oparanozie, Kalu, Iroka, Jegede, Okoronkwo (-67′), Ukaonu, Ohale

Subs

Adekwagh (+67′), Adule (+38′)

Colombia: Forero, Gaitan, Ariza, Montoya (-43′), Vidal, Sanchez (-57′), Rincon, Salazar, Dominguez, Ariza, Arias (-86′)

Subs

Castro (+43′), Montoya (+57′), Ortiz (+86′)

Quotes

I give thanks to God for the early goal and the way that we were able to hold onto it until the end of the game. It shows our determination to make sure we do not concede a goal but while our team tried their best, today was not the best performance by them and I am not very happy. They did not play the game they were supposed to play. But our project was to get to the final and we have made it. Other than that, I thought the game was balanced – Ndem Egan, Nigeria coach.

We are really pleased to get to the final. It was our goal at the start of the tournament and we thought we could do it. Sunday’s final will be an equal game. We know Germany have got very good players. What will I dream about in bed tonight? I will dream of lifting the trophy – Rebecca Kalu.

Why Falconets won

Early goal gave them an edge.

The rain prevented the Colombians from playing their passing game.

Nigeria adapted to the condition better than the South Americans.

The Falconets were physically stronger. Their speed and tackling also came in handy.

Nigeria had a more direct approach to the game.

Colombia missed their talented forward Lady Andrade through suspension.

The maturity of the players belies their ages as a majority of them are good enough for Super Falcons.

Nigeria supporters club made their presence count, drowning out both the Colombian fans and a rival German band to the advantage of the Super Falconets.

How they got to the semis

Group matches – Group C

July 14                   ENG       1-1          NGA

July 17                 NGA        2-1          JPN

July 21                   NGA      1-1        MEX

Quarter-finals

July        25           USA       1:1 a.e.t. (1:1, 1:0) 2:4 PSO           NGA