Nigeria’s Falconets endured a tough 3-1 loss to Germany in their second Group D game at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, continuing their winless streak against the Germany, who have now triumphed in all five of their encounters.
Goals from Alara Sehitler, Sofie Zdebel, and Sarah Ernst gave the Germans their second win of the tournament, while Chiamaka Okwuchukwu netted a lone goal for the Falconets, Footballrover reports.
Despite the setback, hope is not entirely lost for the Falconets. They still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals if they can secure a victory against Venezuela on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Early Drama in the First Half
Germany’s relentless pressure almost paid off in the 10th minute, but Steiner’s attempt went begging.
The Germans continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 16th minute, they nearly opened the scoring again, only to be thwarted by a brilliant save from the Falcons’ goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare.
But the Germans didn’t have to wait long. Just a minute later, Alara Sehitler nodded home a well-placed cross from the right, putting her team in front.
The Falconets had a chance to equalise in the 22nd minute on a swift counter-attack, but the German goalkeeper came up with a point-blank save to deny them.
Germany almost doubled their lead in the 32nd minute, but Veit failed to capitalise on her chance, keeping the game within reach for Nigeria.
Second Half Sparks but Ends in Heartbreak
Five minutes into the second half, Okwuchukwu reignited hope for Nigeria with a well-taken goal that made Germany pay for their slow restart.
Okwuchukwu with the equaliser! 👏#U20WWC pic.twitter.com/uOKmGdIRdI
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) September 4, 2024
However, just two minutes after the equaliser, Germany came close to regaining their lead, only for Ohaegbulem to make a crucial clearance off the line.
Germany finally broke through in the 62nd minute when Sofie Zdebel tapped home a cross from the right, restoring their lead.
The Falconets thought they had pulled level again a few minutes later, but Okwuchukwu’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Zdebel came close to extending Germany’s lead in the 68th minute with a dazzling solo run, but Bakare bravely rushed out to claim the ball and keep her team in the game.
Missed Chances and a Late German Blow
With 15 minutes left, Germany missed a golden opportunity to seal the win as Cora Zicai headed over the bar with the goalkeeper at her mercy.
The Falconets had one last chance to salvage a point in the 83rd minute, but Okwuchukwu’s weak shot from inside the box was easily saved by the German keeper.
In a nail-biting moment in the 89th minute, Falconets defender Jumoke Alani nearly headed the ball into her own net from a cross, but the ball fortunately landed on the roof of the goal.
Germany sealed their victory in the 93rd minute when Sarah Ernst headed in a well-delivered cross, leaving Nigeria with much to ponder ahead of their decisive final group match.
90+2' GOAL! in Bogota 📍
Germany 🇩🇪 3-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬
Sarah Ernst extends Germans lead#SoarFalconets | #GERNGA | #U20WWC| @thenff
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) September 4, 2024
Now, the Falconets must regroup and give everything they have in their upcoming match against Venezuela if they hope to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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