Falconets lose World Cup final… agonisingly

Germany have won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 win over Nigeria at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. They now join USA as three times champions of the competition.

Lena Petermann scored the winning goal eight minutes into extra time to settle a match that had seen the Germans outplayed for long stretches. And it was not a surprise that their goalkeeper Meike Kamper was named player of the match.

The Super Falconets dominated the first half creating the better chances. Asisat Oshoala, the tournament top scorer was the chief culprit to convert those chances.

In the 22nd minute, she missed a golden opportunity to give Nigeria the lead.

After robbing Margarita Gidion of the ball, she outpaced the German defence and rounded the keeper in a stunning display of speed and strength but she could only shoot into the side-netting from a tight angle.

In the dying minutes towards half time, Oshoala again was given a sight of goal but her shot flashed wide after Chiwendo Ihezuo robbed Rebecca Knaak of the ball and played it back from the byline.

Germany’s best effort came from a Lina Magull free-kick which was saved by Sandra Chiichii.

The Germans began the second half brightly, with Theresa Panfil and Petermann combining well for Sara Daebritz whose left-foot shot was again saved by Chiichii.

Oshoala came to life three minutes later, dribbling past two German but her effort struck a team-mate before the rebound was booted wide.

Germany missed an opportunity to go ahead with Pauline Bremer after a Dabritz free-kick saw her unmarked only to head wide.

Nigeria then had to call on the bravery of Chiichii who raced from her line to dive at the feet of Petermann and in the process picking up a bruised jaw.

With five minutes remaining Nigeria had the ball in the net only for their celebrations to be cut short by the assistant referee’s flag.

In extra time, Oshoala again came close for Nigeria but it was the Germans who found the breakthrough.

Petermann scored from six yards after Bremer robbed left-back Gladys Abasi of the ball before going towards the byline to deliver an inch-perfect pass.

Nigeria were unable to respond after conceding the goal with Germany seeing off the remaining minutes of the match rather comfortably.