Holders fall to German force
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Article summary
Germany meet China in the 2nd FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship final after beating the United States.
Article body
Germany will meet China in the final of the 2nd FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship after a hard-earned 3-1 triumph against the United States, the inaugural winners, in Thailand.
Krahn opener
Having lost to the US in the semi-finals two years ago in Canada, Germany had extra incentive to match the achievement of their senior side in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, who also defeated the Americans in the last four. And Silvia Neid's side made the perfect start in Bangkok's Supachalasai stadium when Anja Mittag touched on Melanie Behringer's cross into the path of Annike Krahn, who finished powerfully after eleven minutes.
Own goal
However, five minutes later German captain Krahn scored at the other end, heading Sheree Gray's centre into her own net. Both teams had their spells of pressure in the remainder of the first half and in the opening 20 minutes after the interval, but neither could edge ahead with Germany goalkeeper Tessa Rinkes in especially fine form.
Germany prevail
Then in the 69th minute Célia Okoyino da Mbabi and Patricia Hanebeck combined well in midfield for Germany and the latter threaded the ball through for Behringer, whose shot found the roof of the net to restore her side's lead. The US were forced to press hard for an equaliser, but their hopes - and title - disappeared eight minutes from time as Behringer's cross was headed in by Hanebeck.
Neid's delight
Neid, whose team had only progressed past Nigeria in Sunday's quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out, admitted: "I was worried about fatigue hitting my players after their titanic struggle against Nigeria, but they responded really well. We prepared meticulously for this championship and tonight we gave our opponents very few chances."
China defeat Brazil
China will provide the opposition on Saturday in Bangkok's Rajamangala stadium after their 2-0 win against hotly-tipped Brazil. Zhang Ying and Lou Xiaoxu struck the goals before the break, and Brazil were not able to breach the Chinese defence despite the efforts of Umeå IK striker Marta.
