NIGERIA'S dream of winning the third place match to show for its effort at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in Japan was dashed by the host country yesterday, as the team fell 1-2. The country got to the final two years ago in Germany.Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa saw Japan claim a deserved win in front of a buoyant and colourful crowd at the National Stadium in Tokyo.Nigeria started well, with Desire Oparanozie's free-kick from the left flank evading everyone early on, including goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda, only to ricochet off the far post and away to safety. However, it was to be the closest the Africans came to getting on the scoresheet in the opening period.Midway through the first half, Japan opened the scoring as Tanaka let fly from a distance with the ball proving too hot for Ibubeleye Whyte. The Nigerian custodian was unable to prevent the ball entering the goal, despite getting a hand on the effort. It was Tanaka's sixth of the competition.Even though Nigeria had more possession in the opening period, it was the home side, which had much of the momentum as the half-time whistle blew.Nigeria then collected a lifeline on 73 minutes as Oparanozie's free-kick slipped through the hands of Ikeda and over the line, although it should been a regulation stop for the Japan No1.They turned up the heat on the Japan defence in the latter stages, but the home side managed to hang on for third place; their best ever showing at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.Nigeria's coach, Edwin Okon, said: 'It was an exciting game, but unfortunately, luck was on the Japanese side. I think that Nigeria and generally speaking Africa have a bright future in women's football. African women's football is still improving, and we'll seethat at the next World Cup.'In the final match yesterday, USA overcame the odds to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against champions Germany to claim their third FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup crown.Germany went into the contest having defeated USA 3-0 in a group encounter just a fortnight ago, and without having conceded a goal in six matches at the tournament.The match commenced in cagey fashion, perhaps to the relief of USA, given Germany's blistering three-goal burst against Japan in the semi-final. Germany caused several anxious moments for the opposition defence with crosses from eitherside, but the USA defence, led capably by skipper Julie Johnston, managed to deal with the danger.
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