- DPR Korea confront Japan in all-Asian last four battle
The curtain fell on a day of breathtaking drama in Morocco as the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals reached a thrilling crescendo on Sunday with Nigeria’s resilient Flamingos dancing on the edge of heartbreak before snatching a late victory against a stubborn Venezuela side.
On the other hand, Brazil scripted a magnificent redemption song, roaring back from behind to seal a stunning comeback triumph over China PR in one of the quarter-finals pairing also decided on Sunday night.
In a mesmerizing encounter defined by razor-thin margins, it was the virtuoso performance of Nigeria’s Favour Nkwocha, rightfully crowned Player of the Match, that kept the African giants breathing and sent them into the semi-finals for just the second time in tournament history.
With the crushing weight of extra time looming and the clock ticking mercilessly into the 89th minute, things changed dramatically as the Flamingoes were awarded a late spot kick when Venezuela defender Migleydys Bolsegui was adjudged to have committed a foul in her area.
Azeezat Oduntan stepped up to the penalty spot; with ice in her veins, she unleashed a perfectly struck strike that rippled the net and sent the Flamingos soaring into the semi-finals for just the second time in tournament history.
The Nigerian girls were better in the opening half, but failed to capitalize on their dominant possession. Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, both hit wide of the woodwork as luck failed to smile on the team in the first 45 minutes of play.
Following Sunday last eight outings, defending champions DPR Korea will meet Japan in an all-Asian semi-final, while Nigeria will take on Brazil in the other last four pairing.
As the dust settles on a definitive round of quarter-final action, the path to glory has narrowed to four formidable contenders. DPR Korea’s relentless march toward a third successive championship continues unabated after turning away the USA 3-0
Standing alongside them are Japan, who vanquished Ghana 1-0 to return to the final four for the first time since 2016, and a resilient Brazilian squad, powered by Helena’s clutch double, to erase a deficit against China PR and triumph 2-1, officially setting the stage for an electrifying semi-final battle of wits against Nigeria. – With FIFA.com report
