The final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 comes up tonight at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada. The match is a repeat of the 2010 showpiece between the then hosts Germany and Nigeria. That game went the way of the European side, an outcome the in-form Nigerians will be aiming to avenge to tonight.
This is the fourth time the ultra-consistent Germans have reached the final of the competition and the third in a row, though the Super Falconets can also lay claim to being a powerhouse in this age group, having checked into their second final in the last three tournaments. Given those impressive records, tonight’s showdown will reveal much about the balance of power in the women’s youth game.
The final of the Fifa U-20 Women World Cup comes alive today as the Nigeria’s Super Falconets battle Germany for the illustrious trophy. The Falconets breeze into the final following an emphatic 6 – 2 bashing of Korea DPR in the semi final.
Asisat Oshoala, Falconets top scorer, took her goal tally to seven after netting four goals for the Nigerian side against Korea DPR. The dynamic green and white talented girls took their names into Fifa’s book of record as the first and only team to score six times at the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup tournament.
Nigeria will have to scale Germany’s hurdle in order to clinch their first Fifa Women’s U-20 World Cup title at the Montreal Olympic Stadium in Canada on Sunday.
Coach Peter Dedvbo’s tutoured side will embark on a make or mar battle with the German girls in a bid to claim the Fifa Women’s U-20 World Cup trophy for the first time.
Germany defeated France 2-1 in the second Semi-final match to set up a repeat of the 2010 final, which Germany won 2-0.
The outcome was harsh on a Bleuettes team that dominated much of this excellent, enthralling last-four encounter, but who were ultimately punished for failing to convert a string of superb chances.
Nigeria reached their second final in seven appearances.
The Falconets will be hoping to continue their winning streak against an experienced and tactical German side that have won the Fifa Women’s U-20 World Cup four times.
Nigeria is also seeking revenge against a side that eliminated them in the last tournament.
The Falconets boast of skillful and dreaded midfielders and attackers that can paunch in goals with ease. The duo of Asisat Oshoala and US based Courtney Dike can wreck havoc to Germany defense that is a bit shaky and porous. The speed, strength and mobility play of the Nigerian girls will no doubt be serious issues for the former world champions to contend with.
Such is a scenario which must not repeat itself in Canada this time out, as coach Peter Dedvbo’s side hope to outlast coach Maren Meinert’s team, which edged France 2-1 later on Wednesday night to book their ticket for the final.
“Now we are in the final and, whoever our opponents will be, we are not afraid of them,” said Dedevbo after watching his side suck life out of North Korea last night.
“Since the quarter-finals stage, my team have improved. And if you want to accomplish great things, it is important to have intelligence in your team and a player who can make the difference like Asisat (Oshoala) did today.”
Oshoala has now scored seven times in the tournament and is in high gears to claim the golden boot.
The Falconets have been receiving commendations from soccer-loving Nigerians. First was the President, Goodluck Jonathan who praised the girls for qualifying for the final of Fifa U-20 female football championship in Canada.
President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-20 female football team, the Falconets for qualifying for the final match of the ongoing FIFA championship in Canada.
In a statement by Reuben Abati, his special adviser on media and publicity, the President applauded the Falconets’ brilliant display, which earned them a 6-2 victory in Wednesday’s semi-final match against North Korea.
The President also commended the performance of the team in their earlier matches before the semi-final.
“As the Falconets prepare for the final match of the tournament against Germany on Sunday, President Jonathan urges them to put in their very best effort to win the under-20 Female World Cup for Nigeria and Africa for the first time in the history of the competition.”
The President also assured them and their handlers of the full support of the Federal Government and the prayers of all Nigerians for their triumph on Sunday.
In a similar note, Globacom, Nigeria’s telecommunication giant, urged the Super Falconets to make Nigeria proud by winning the U-20 Women World Cup, when the team lock horns with Germany.
Globacom commended the Falconets for their hard work, total concentration and die-hard spirit, which earned them the deserving victory and qualification for the Finals.
“We believed from the beginning that the Falconets had the wherewithal to go all the way and we are not surprised that they are now just one match to claim the ultimate glory,” Glo stated.
