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THE DAY REPLAYED – USA upset the odds to edge Germany in a battle of the FIFA U-20
Women’s World Cup elite. Germany had comprehensibly overcome their
rivals 3-0 in a Group D encounter just a fortnight ago, and went into
the contest without having conceded a goal during all six matches at Japan 2012. However, a lone strike from Kealia Ohai a minute before half-time
proved to be the decisive moment of the contest as USA claimed their third crown at the
expense of the 2010 champions.
Earlier
in the day Japan proved a popular winner for the
majority of the large and colourful Tokyo crowd. Goals in either half
from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa had the Young Nadeshiko
on their way in what was a typically high-spirited display. However,
2010 finalists Nigeria have shown their resilience more
than once during the tournament, and a Desire Oparanozie strike caused nerves to
jangle for many in the National Stadium. Third place is Japan’s best performance, having never
previously appeared in the semi-finals of the tournament.