The United States and Germany have advanced into the semifinal tournament at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Japan on Friday. The U.S. defeated Korea DPR and Germany powered their way past Norway.
Germany faced Norway first and won 4-0 on an ugly afternoon in Japan with cloudy skies.
It did not take Germany long to get on the scoreboard as their leading scorer Lena Lotzen got them on the board five minutes into the match for a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later Melanie Leupolz got a rebound off of a free kick that bounced off Norway's goal keeper, Ida Aardalen.
At minute 20, Lotzen struck again with a goal to give Germany the 3-0 lead, which was more than enough.
A scary moment for Germany's goal keeper, Laura Benkarth came when Norway's Caroline Hansen ran after a loose ball and spiked the goal keeper in the clavicle. She received a red card and was thrown out of the game.
For the U.S., their victory was a bit more dramatic. They needed extra time to get the victory over the formely undefeated Korea DPR.
There was no offense in the first half of the match. Vanessa Di Berna of the U.S. scored the first goal at minute 58.
Kim Su Gyong answered back with a goal of her own to keep Korea alive. Her goal came 15 minutes before the end of regulation.
Being that 90-plus minutes were not enough, the ladies played in extended time. Chioma Ubogagu ensured the U.S. with a lead as she scored in minute 98.
With the victory Germany and USA will move on and face Japan and Nigeria respectively.
