MARGAO: Vicky Lopez’s twin late strikes lifted defending champions Spain from 0-1 down to a comprehensive 2-1 victory over Japan in the fourth quarterfinal to book a semifinal spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2022.
The exciting quarterfinal between the two teams remained equally balanced in the first half despite some close attempts from both ends.
Spain, however, spoiled the opportunity to claim an early lead as Carla Camacho missed the penalty in the 37th minute following a foul by Toko Koga.
Japan took the field with greater determination in the second half and launched the attack on the Spanish defence.
The domination soon turned into a goal when Momoko Tanikawa hit a long-range stunner to hand her side an early lead.
The defending champions held their nerves calm despite the deficit and kept attacking on the counter. Lopez then neutralized Japan’s lead – following a melee in the penalty box – with a perfectly targeted strike.
Spain’s counterattack left Japan panicking and as a result, gaps began to emerge in their defence. Lopez – fuelled with momentum – made the most of the situation and struck again in the dying minutes of second-half injury time and powered her side to a thrilling victory.
The defending champions Spain will now face Germany in the second semifinal on October 26.
Meanwhile, in another quarterfinal, Colombia breezed past Tanzania 3-0 to end their dream run in the debut mega event.
Colombia launched an early attack on Tanzania and got their first breakthrough within the first three minutes when captain Linda Caicedo beat Zulfa Makau with ease.
The spirited Tanzanian side suffered yet another blow just after 13 minutes when Yesica Munoz headed Cristina Motta’s cross into the net.
Colombia piled misery on Tanzania as Gabriela Salazar struck for her side with a spot-kick in the 32nd minute.
The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.
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