PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – European champions Spain edged South American kings Brazil 2-1 on Friday evening to clinch a semi-final spot in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Spain got goals in either half from Raquel Pinel and Nagore Calderon to book their final four meeting with South Korea on Tuesday.
In other quarter-final match played at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Japan also clinched their semi-final berth when they beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in a tense quarter-final encounter.
With all eyes on the two football powerhouses, Spain oozed class and control as they completely outplayed the Brazilians.
They opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Pinel finished clinically from close range after Alexia Putellas swung in a telling cross from the left which Ingrid failed to cut out.
A flurry of activity followed as Amanda Sampedron scuppered the chance to double Spain’s advantage when she slammed her shot against the crossbar while Thais was also denied by the woodwork in the dying seconds of the half to leave Brazil without the precious equaliser.
Spain finally got their second in the 65th minute thanks to loose defensive work by the Brazilians. Goalkeeper Daniella rolled the ball out to Lucimara, who gave up possession under pressure from Spain’s forwards, allowing Calderon to convert the easiest of chances.
Brazil pulled one back 11 minutes later when Spanish defender Ivana Andres unfortunately headed Brazilian Beatriz’s long-range free-kick into her own net.
The South Americans then pressed and goalkeeper Dolores Gallardo was forced into a couple of great saves to preserve Spain’s scoreline.
Japan, meanwhile, took their first step towards the semi-final when Megan Campbell brought down Kumi Yokoyama in the area and Hikaru Naomoto converted from the spot in the 34th minute.
Ireland equalised eight minutes after the half-time break when Denise O Sullivan tapped home following a poor clearance from goalkeeper Eri Hirao.
However, Japan were back in front on 66 minutes after Yokoyama got onto the end of a long kick from her goalkeeper, beat Ciara O’Brien and unleashed a fine volley into the top corner.
They will now face defending champions Korea DPR in the other semi-final.
