Spain get their revenge and a place in final with 90th-minute goal

Margao: Spain are on course to defend their crown after defeating rivals Germany 1-0 in the second semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.
When it just looked like the match was heading for penalties, Lucia Corrales scored the winner in the final minute for Spain. They will now meet Colombia in the final in Mumbai on Sunday.
Spain had a score to settle after they lost against Germany on penalties in the European championship early this year.
Germany started on the front foot as they passed the ball with ease. But Spain, who are also great passers of the ball, quickly picked up.
All eyes were on Spain’s Vicky Lopez, whose late brace helped the defending champions pip favourites Japan 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The Barcelona midfielder sent in a perfect cross inside the box, but Cristina Libran’s header hit the crossbar.
At the other end, Spain goalkeeper Sofia Fuente punched away a cross by Alara Sehitler but the ball didn’t go too far. Mara was near the edge of the box and pounced on the opportunity with a perfect volley as Sofia was left helpless.
Even as Germany celebrated, there were tense moments due to a VAR check. After a halt of nearly five minutes, the goal was ruled off for an offside for Alara and Spain were gifted a lifeline.
Mara was not disheartened and continued in search of a goal even as two of her attempts missed the target narrowly.
For Spain, Vicky and Carla Camacho tried to combine in the box but Germany’s defence led by captain Jella Veit was hard to break.
The match provided end-to-end action in the second half as well.
Spain substitute Olaya Enrique came close with her free-kick, while Svea Stoldt’s rasping drive hit the side-netting.
In the 70th minute, Germany’s Lilith Schmidt brought down Vicky on the edge of the box. It was another opportunity for Spain, but Vicky couldn’t keep her shot on target.
With 10 minutes remaining, Laia Martret released the ball for Carla only for Germany goalkeeper Lina Altenburg to come out of her position and clear in time.
The deadlock was finally broken in the final minute.
A throw-in saw Spain’s Ainhoa Alguacil skilfully deceive the German defence with her quick turn and sent in a cross for Lucia who guided it past the goalkeeper with the outside of her left foot.
“This is the best dream in my life, it is incredible,” Spain head coach Gonzalo Kenio told reporters after the win. “Yesterday we practiced penalties. But now my team is in the final and are very focussed. I know the final against Colombia will be difficult, but it will be a historic moment for us to win two world championships in a row.”
Germany, until the semifinal defeat, had an all-win record in the tournament, and given their European championship triumph, were favourites to progress, until they were stopped by Spain.
“I think we played a good game. It was a tough game, but our defence was perfect. We missed one goal and it was hard for the team. We saw how the girls fought, so it’s not a problem,” said Germany assistant coach Julia Simic.