Today’s games are in Tokyo:
16.00 – Nigeria v. USA
19.30 – Japan v. Germany
Nigeria v. USA – some stats!
The pair’s only previous meeting in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup dates back to the quarter-finals two years ago, when Nigeria edged out USA on penalties after the sides had remained deadlocked at 1-1 following extra time.
Nigeria are contesting their second consecutive semi-final in the FIFA U-20 Women’s Wold Cup, whereas this is USA’s fifth in six participations.
Among the four semi-finalists, Nigeria and USA have scored the fewest goals, netting eight and seven respectively from four matches, while the Americans have also conceded the most goals, with five.
USA are unbeaten against African opposition in FIFA women’s competitions. In eight previous encounters spanning the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament and the U-20 showpiece, the Americans have picked up six wins and two draws, scoring 24 goals and conceding just five.
A total of 18 players have been on the pitch for the maximum possible time of 390 minutes so far this tournament. In addition to six players each from eliminated teams Korea DPR and Mexico, the group includes three Nigerians (Josephine Chukwunonye, Gloria Ofoegbu and Desire Oparanozie) plus three Americans (Bryane Heaberlin, Mollie Pathman and Crystal Dunn).
Japan v. Germany
The teams are going head-to-head for the third time in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having already beaten each other once in the event. Germany edged a 2-1 extra-time victory in the 2002 quarter-finals, whereas Japan won by the same scoreline in the opening round of the 2008 edition.
Germany have won their last 11 games in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, conceding no goals in their last five. Meanwhile Japan are unbeaten in five, having strung together four wins and one draw.
This is the first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup match in which the reigning champions have been pitted against the host team.
This is Japan’s first semi-final in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, whereas Germany have reached the penultimate round for the fifth time in six attempts.
Good luck Young Nadeshiko!