With all three of its group stage matches in the books, the USA are through to the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup following a 5-nil victory over Korea Republic.
In the other Group B match, Colombia took an early lead over Spain when Isabella Diaz collected a loose ball from a Spain player who slipped on a worn section of the pitch, dribbled toward goal and sent a low shot beyond goalkeeper Ziara Vega who could only partially deflect the ball with an outstretched hand. Spain would equalize in the second half from the penalty spot. Then, with about 30 minutes to go in regulation, Diaz slapped a Spain player on her upper chest and was sent off following a video support review. The match remain tied until about 15 seconds before the clock hit 90:00.
In Group A action, Nigeria, who like Spain, were already guaranteed to advance, struggled to score against the host, Dominican Republic. Of Nigeria’s 36 shots, just 3 were on target. Their breakthrough came just before the end of regulation when Shakirat Moshood’s long-range effort sailed beyond the reach of goalkeeper Jaylene Rondon.
Meanwhile, in Ecuador’s 4-nil victory over New Zealand, Caprice Chiuchiolo, who is a verbal commit for Grand Canyon University, notched a brace.
In the quarterfinals, the USA will face Nigeria for the second time in a row. In 2022, the USA fell on penalties to Nigeria, who ended up finishing third. The USA-Nigeria quarterfinal match will be on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
Spain will play Ecuador on Sunday. That match will also kick off at 3:30 p.m. EDT
Continue reading “U-17 WWC 2024: Match Day 3A — Highlights and Final Group Standings”