Two first half goals by the Netherlands earned them a 2-0 win against Nigeria’s Falconets in Sunday’s quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, Completesports.com reports.
It is a first ever appearance in the semi-finals for the Netherlands at the U-20 women’s World Cup.
The last time the Falconets made it to the semi-finals was at the 2014 edition in Canada.
Victory against the Falconets means the Netherlands will take on Spain in the semi-finals.
The Falconets bossed the early part of the game and had a shout for a penalty on nine minutes after Flourish Sabastine was brought down inside the box but the referee waved play on.
But it was the Netherlands who took the lead on 12 minutes through Zera Hilswit who volleyed into the top corner after a poor clearance from Falconets skipper Blessing Demehin.
Two minutes after the opening goal Mercy Idoko went close with a header which was well handled by the Dutch keeper.
In the 16th minute Sabastine burst on the left flank and hit a good strike which the keeper palmed away for a corner.
The Falconets continued to push forward and almost equalized in 32 minutes but Deborah Abiodun’s long range effort hit the cross bar while Okuwchukwu’s follow up was tipped away for a corner.
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But in the 33rd minute it was the Netherlands who doubled their lead this time off the boots of
Ziva Henry following another poor clearance for. Demehin.
The Falconets came out more purposeful in the second half and created chances after chances but were let down by poor finishing.
Nine minutes into the second half Abiodun tried a long distance effort which was well saved by the Keeper.
On 61 minutes Abiodun connected with a header but her attempt was well handled by the opposition keeper.
The Falconets went close in the 65th minute as Sabastine made a superb run into the area but her weak effort couldn’t hurt the Netherlands keeper.
With three minutes left Rofiat Imuran sent in a delightful in swinger but Falconets player was there to capitalize.
In the 93rd minute the Falconets were awarded a penalty for handball but after VAR review the decision was overturned.
By James Agberebi
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