After struggling in the group stage, the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team put on a solid defensive effort and defeated Germany in the final of the 2012 Under-20 Women’s World Cup on a lone goal from Kealia Ohai, off an assist from fellow UNC Tar Heel, Crystal Dunn.
USA captain Julie Johnston (centerback) won the Bronze Ball for third overall best player, with Japan’s Hanae Shibata getting Silver and Germany’s Dzsenifer Marozsan claiming top honors, the Golden Ball. Germany’s Laura Benkarth won the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper.
FINAL: United States 1, Germany 0.
USA Goal: Kealia Ohai (44′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page, USSoccer.com write-up, ESPN3 replay*.
*For those who only want to watch the goal-scoring play, that sequence begins at the 01:02:45 mark, off a free kick restart. The replay also has the closing ceremony.
In the earlier match, host Japan weathered a potential comeback by Nigeria to secure a third place finish.
THIRD PLACE: Japan 2, Nigeria 1.
JPN Goals: Y. Tanaka (24′), Nishikawa (50′).
NGA Goal: Oparanozie (73′).
See Also: FIFA.com match page, ESPN3 replay.
Women's Soccer Express 