Nigeria stun USA, qualify for semi final

Nigeria won a penalty shootout to claim a place in the semi-finals at the end of an enthralling struggle in Augsburg. Ironically it was USA’s golden girl Sydney Leroux who missed with the US’ fifth penalty to seal the African side’s 4-2 victory, their captain Christine Nairn having seen her attempt saved as well.

It was a notable triumph for the Falconets who had never before won a quarter-final in a FIFA womens competition and who had faltered at the last-eight stage on three previous occasions in the FIFA U-20

Alaba Jonathan, Joy Jegede and Esther Sunday of Nigeria celebrate after winning the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Quarter Final match against USA on July 25, 2010 in Augsburg, Germany.

Women’s World Cup.
US started confidently and it was clear newcomer Casey Short was going to enjoy some freedom down the left. In the sixth minute Kristie Mewis invited her to run on to a through ball with her marker left standing. It was a great chance but Alaba Jonathan saved well with her legs.

In the next instant a free-kick high up the field was rolled into the path of Mewis as the Nigeria defence slept. Fortunately for them Amarachi Okoronkwo had read the danger and was back to cover.

It all proved a preamble to the inevitable USA goal. Again it was poor defending that gifted them a generous amount of room. When a  short corner was played to Mewis she was able to run several metres with nobody challenging. When she squared the ball across, Amber Brooks was on hand to side_foot her first goal of the tournament.

Nigeria did improve near the end of the first half but their efforts foundered on a rock known as Crystal Dunn who twice came in with well-timed and determined challenges.

Then in the 79th minute came a memorable equaliser. A free_kick was rolled into the path of Ukaonu who unleashed a lethal strike which flew into the top corner of the net, leaving Henninger helpless.

In extra-time Oparanozie passed up a glorious chance having evaded two challenges. With the goal gaping she stabbed it wide.  US substitute Meg Morris drew a save and as Nigeria countered as pace, there was an opening for Orji but her attempt lacked power.

With seven minutes remaining Mewis crashed a shot off the bar and then saw a header tipped over the top.