Women’s U20 World Cup: How Germany defeated wasteful Falconets (Highlights)

In keeping with the rest of their tournament, Germany left it late before it could claim victory.

The Germans scored in the eighth minute of extra time to beat Nigeria 1-0 and claim the Under-20 Women’s World Cup at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

Coming into the final, Germany had scored in the last 10 minutes of a game in four of five contests. The victory is Germany’s record-tying third top finish at this competition, after winning the event in 2004 and 2010.

“Obviously we never expected to be standing here as champions,” said German coach Maren Meinert through a translator. “Considering the teams we had to play against, we’re especially proud and happy to be here, to have achieved such an amazing thing.

“The game today was crazy, like all the other games we played in this tournament. The one thing that was really important and crucial was that we not only played well offensively, but we also played defensively. The whole team worked together, and I’m very proud.”

Nigeria was the better team for much of the game, as the Falconets pinned the Germans in their own half for lengthy periods of time. Nigeria’s shots were dangerous, and its crosses constantly threatened the German defence. Midfielder Asisat Ochoala, who came into the game with a tournament-leading seven goals, was menacing throughout.

But it was Germany’s Lena Petermann who broke the deadlock in extra time, firing home from close range past goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii for her third goal of the competition.