In the eight previous editions of the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup, only three countries had won the title: the U.S. (3), Germany (3) and North Korea (2).
There will be a new champion in 2018.
The semifinals are set for Monday, with England to meet Japan and France to face Spain, both in Vannes (FRA). The winners will meet for the title on Friday (24th), along with the bronze-medal game for the losers.
In the group stage, France (2-0-1 as W-L-T), England (2-0-1), Spain (2-0-1) and Germany (3-0-0) were the winners. The U.S., one of the favorites, lost to Japan, 1-0, in its first game, then crushed Paraguay, 6-0 (including a Savannah DeMelo hat trick), but then tied Spain, 2-2, and finished third in the group and did not advance.
In the quarterfinals, France knocked out North Korea (1-0); Spain eliminated Nigeria (2-1); England edged the Netherlands (2-1) and Japan cruised by Germany (3-1) to set up the semis, and assure a fourth country will hoist the trophy next Friday.
The leading scorers in the tournament so far are both still playing: Georgia Stanway (ENG) and Patricia Guijarro (ESP) have six goals apiece.
Look for match results here.
