By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Spain’s Lucia Corrales turned super-sub as her late goal ensured that her country
downed a resolute Germany in the second semi final match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.
The victory means that Spain will take on Colombia, after the country beat Nigeria 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out in the first semi-final match to qualify for the epic final slated for DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday, October 30, 2022 immediately after the Nigeria versus Germany third-place playoff which will kick off by 4: 30 local time.
The winner of Nigeria versus Germany third-place playoff will be awarded the Bronze medal of the competition while winner of the final match will be awarded the coveted trophy and Gold medal as the runner up will be handed the Silver medal on Sunday.
Like in the first semi-final match, the Spain versus Germany tie was almost ending in a barren draw before substitute Corrales struck in the 90’ to give Spain victory, which helped the country to reach her third final at this level and can now defend its crown at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
The German Assistant Coach had predicted an intense game, and both teams delivered with a full-throttle approach from the start to finish.
Both Germany and Spain were keen on taking the attacking approach, but spaces were hard to come by due to their intense pressing style off the ball.
While Germany had an overreliance on attacker Mara Alber, Spain had threats all around the park and from the bench to call upon.
In the 20th minute, Alber hit a stunning volley into the net, but the goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR check of over five minutes, where Alara Sehitler was found to be offside in the build-up.
At the restart, she cut in from the left and unleashed a shot from outside the box, which was saved by Sofia Fuente.
In the second half, openings were hard to come by. Spain substitute Olaya Enrique’s whizzed a free-kick over the crossbar.
In the 75th minute, Alber twisted and turned away from her markers before unleashing a shot, which was pouched low by Fuente on the second attempt.
When it seemed like it would go to another penalty shootout on the night, Spain’s two substitutes, Corrales and creator Ainhoa Alguacil, combined to deliver the killer blow.
Alguacil skillfully evaded her marker and fired in a low cross around the six-yard area, where Corrales guided it into the net with the outside of her side foot.
Resulta:
Germany 0-1 Spain (90’ Lucia Corrales)
Colombia (0)6-5 (0) Nigeria
