U-20 Women's World Cup Semi-Final Round Concludes
The first semi-final of the Under-20 Women's World Cup pitted Korea DPR against the United States. The first half ended tied at 0-0, but the action would pick up quickly in the second half. At the 49' mark, Katy Cousins of the U.S. was called for a handball in the penalty box. For those whom don't know, that prompts a penalty shot to be taken. Jon So Yon gladly stepped up and converted the kick, booting it to the right side of the goal as U.S. goalkeeper Casey Murphy lunged to the left. Korea DPR was now up 1-0. The U.S obviously tried to score, but the North Koreans hunkered down quite well in defense. In the 89th minute, however, a ball bounced off of American forward Mallory Pugh and Natalie Jacobs volleyed the ball passed the Korean goalkeeper. The game was now level at 1-1. Stoppage time ran out, and with the match still tied, extra time would be needed to determine a winner. Extra time started with a bang, as within the first minute North Korea went up 2-1 with a goal from Ri. The looks of the U.S. players said it all, as they were all stunned at allowing a goal so soon into extra time. Sadly, for American fans, the U.S. could not score an equalizing goal, and the North Koreans were the ones advancing to the final. Though they lost, the U.S. has one more game to play; the third place match.
The second semi-final was a match-up between Japan and France. No scoring occurred throughout the game, and regulation ended level at 0-0. The scoreless gridlock continued until the 99th minute. That is when France's Marion Romanelli crossed the ball to her left and in to the penalty box, finding Clara Mateo, whom headed the ball into the back of the net. France had taken a 1-0 lead in extra time. Two minutes later, Juliane Gathrat scored off a rebound that landed right in front of her, giving her team a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately for Gathrat, she would commit a foul seven minutes later in the penalty box, and that led to a penalty shot. Making matters worse for Gathrat, Momiki converted that penalty shot to make the score 2-1. It must be noted, however, that the ball was knocked in by Chavas' elbow after she tried to grab it, after she had slowed it down enough to not cross the goal line. Though the goal made the game tighter, the French were able to hold on until the clock hit zero, and advanced to the final.
Now that the semi-finals are done, the final day of the tournament is set. The third place match will be played between Japan and the United States, while the final will involve Korea DPR and France.
