Saturday 13 October 2012
© Getty Images
THE DAY REPLAYED - The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2012 in Azerbaijan came to a fitting end on Saturday with a tense and thrilling final between France and Korea DPR. The sides could not be separated in normal time, but Les Bleuettes finally overcame the determined and skilful Asians on penalties to seal their maiden triumph in this tournament.
The
Europeans were worthy champions too, as they won four, drew two, and
lost none of their six matches. That represents tournament play of the
highest order, also reflected in the award of the adidas Golden Ball for
the best player to outstanding defender Griedge Mbock Bathy.
Earlier in the day, Ghana made history as Mas-Ud Dramani’s side won the third-place play-off against reigning U-17 women's European champions Germany with a first-half goal from Priscilla Okyere.
The Black Maidens captured the hearts of the crowd with their
relentless battling spirit, as they survived almost 60 minutes with only
ten players and ultimately reaped the reward for their efforts.
Results
Final
France 1-1 Korea DPR (France won 7-6 on penalties)
Third-place play-off
Ghana 1-0 Germany
Final
France 1-1 Korea DPR (France won 7-6 on penalties)
Third-place play-off
Ghana 1-0 Germany
Goal of the day
France-Korea DPR, Lea Declercq (33’)
The opening goal in the final came from a magnificent French attacking move, Ghoutia Karchouni unleashing a sublime pass from the halfway line into the path of Lea Declercq. The France No7 outpaced her marker Ri Un-Yong and created space to shoot before lashing an unstoppable 15-yard drive past goalkeeper Rim Yong-Hwa.
France-Korea DPR, Lea Declercq (33’)
The opening goal in the final came from a magnificent French attacking move, Ghoutia Karchouni unleashing a sublime pass from the halfway line into the path of Lea Declercq. The France No7 outpaced her marker Ri Un-Yong and created space to shoot before lashing an unstoppable 15-yard drive past goalkeeper Rim Yong-Hwa.
Memorable moments
When rivals turn comrades
For the second time in the tournament, the German U-17 juniors showed a tremendous sense of fair play and comradeship between rivals. In the group match against China PR, it was Vivien Beil who rushed to assist opponent Zhang Chen when she fell victim to cramp, and in the third-place play-off, Laura Leluschko was first on the scene to help Priscilla Okyere, who had opened the scoring for Ghana shortly beforehand. Okyere had fallen to the turf for no discernible reason and had to be substituted with an injury.
When rivals turn comrades
For the second time in the tournament, the German U-17 juniors showed a tremendous sense of fair play and comradeship between rivals. In the group match against China PR, it was Vivien Beil who rushed to assist opponent Zhang Chen when she fell victim to cramp, and in the third-place play-off, Laura Leluschko was first on the scene to help Priscilla Okyere, who had opened the scoring for Ghana shortly beforehand. Okyere had fallen to the turf for no discernible reason and had to be substituted with an injury.
Ghana make history
When the referee blew the final whistle on the third-place play-off, the African players erupted with joy where they stood. Even captain Okyere managed to join in, hopping on her one uninjured leg to join her team-mates and celebrate a stirring victory. No Ghana team had ever previously survived the group stage at a FIFA women's tournament and the Black Maidens arrived as rank outsiders, but they leave Azerbaijan as the undoubted surprise package.
When the referee blew the final whistle on the third-place play-off, the African players erupted with joy where they stood. Even captain Okyere managed to join in, hopping on her one uninjured leg to join her team-mates and celebrate a stirring victory. No Ghana team had ever previously survived the group stage at a FIFA women's tournament and the Black Maidens arrived as rank outsiders, but they leave Azerbaijan as the undoubted surprise package.
Colourful closing ceremony
The closing ceremony prior to the final was a riot of blazing colour, traditional costume and typical folk instruments, yet again underlining the beauty and richness of Azerbaijani culture. To the background of tuneful local music, a ball juggler surrounded by colourfully clad local dancers showed off her skills in the centre circle, whetting the crowd’s anticipation for the final showdown.
The closing ceremony prior to the final was a riot of blazing colour, traditional costume and typical folk instruments, yet again underlining the beauty and richness of Azerbaijani culture. To the background of tuneful local music, a ball juggler surrounded by colourfully clad local dancers showed off her skills in the centre circle, whetting the crowd’s anticipation for the final showdown.
Romane conquest as Bruneau turns hero
In the penalty shoot-out to settle the absorbing final between France and Korea DPR, French 'keeper Romane Bruneau finished as the hero, not only saving from Kim Un-Hwa and Ri Un-Yong, but also shouldering responsibility and scoring a spot-kick herself. Bruneau was consistently excellent throughout the tournament, and duly picked up the adidas Golden Glove as best goalkeeper.
In the penalty shoot-out to settle the absorbing final between France and Korea DPR, French 'keeper Romane Bruneau finished as the hero, not only saving from Kim Un-Hwa and Ri Un-Yong, but also shouldering responsibility and scoring a spot-kick herself. Bruneau was consistently excellent throughout the tournament, and duly picked up the adidas Golden Glove as best goalkeeper.
Superstar Shakira whips crowd into frenzy
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2012 finished with a spectacular climax as the players collected their awards, and a world superstar took to the stage. It was Jennifer Lopez who wowed the crowds at the opening ceremony, but the honours at the end fell to Shakira, who rocked Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku with her hits “Waka Waka” and “Addicted To You”, celebrating with the players on a fabulous final day.
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2012 finished with a spectacular climax as the players collected their awards, and a world superstar took to the stage. It was Jennifer Lopez who wowed the crowds at the opening ceremony, but the honours at the end fell to Shakira, who rocked Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku with her hits “Waka Waka” and “Addicted To You”, celebrating with the players on a fabulous final day.
Stat of the day
1 – France became the first European team to lay hands on the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The trophy went to Korea DPR at New Zealand 2008, and Korea Republic in Trinidad and Tobago two years later. It was also the first time France have contested a final at a FIFA women's tournament.
1 – France became the first European team to lay hands on the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The trophy went to Korea DPR at New Zealand 2008, and Korea Republic in Trinidad and Tobago two years later. It was also the first time France have contested a final at a FIFA women's tournament.
The quote
“We didn’t estimate our rival correctly. France really played well. At the end they won. We are not pessimistic about the outcome because it is not bad result. The organisational matters of the tournament were perfect. It was the best one,” Hwang Yong Bong, Korea DPR head coach.
“We didn’t estimate our rival correctly. France really played well. At the end they won. We are not pessimistic about the outcome because it is not bad result. The organisational matters of the tournament were perfect. It was the best one,” Hwang Yong Bong, Korea DPR head coach.
Related Items
- FIFA World Cup™
- Tournaments
- World Football
- News Centre
- FIFA Ranking
- FIFA Ballon d'Or
- Classic Footbal
France secure title after shoot-out
© Getty Images
France won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on penalties against Korea DPR following a 1-1 draw at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku.
The
French became the first European side to be crowned champions at the
competition after a 7-6 shoot-out victory, with Ri Un Yong of Korea DPR the unfortunate person to miss the crucial spot-kick.
Lea Declercq had put France ahead in the first half, before a late equaliser from Ri Un Sim
forced penalties in the showpiece, and after a long shoot-out which
also saw Kim Un Hwa and Marion Romanelli fail from 12 yards, Ri Un
Yong’s miss allowed the French to celebrate.
France
had perhaps settled the quicker in the match, passing the ball crisply
across the field, and it was Guy Ferrier’s side who created the first
genuine chance after 11 minutes.
Racing
onto a through ball down the right hand side, captain Sandie Toletti
picked out Declercq on the opposite flank but, after taking a touch, the
forward sent her attempt far too high.
Unlike
both previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Finals, there was no early
goal to shape the opening stages of the match, with 2008 champions Korea DPR particularly struggling to find a way through the stubborn French defence.
The
Asians were unusually wasteful in possession, with an especially
misdirected pass by Kim Phyong Hwa causing coach Hwang Yong Bong to rise
from the bench and reprimand his charges.
Kadidiatou Diani had the second sight of goal for France on 27 minutes, connecting with a bobbling cross from the left wing, but the striker’s effort was no trouble for Korea DPR goalkeeper Rim Yong Hwa.
With Korea DPR failing to register a single shot at goal, France’s
pressure told with 33 minutes played. A magnificent, curling Ghoutia
Karchouni though ball down the centre of the pitch married with a run
from the left by Declercq, who maintained her stride and slotted home on
the half-volley.
When referee Carina Vitulano blew the half-time whistle, the statistics showed that Korea DPR had not attempted any shots nor earned a corner-kick, with France thoroughly worthy of their 1-0 advantage.
Korea DPR mount comeback
The Asian outfit finally unleashed a shot on goal five minutes into the second period when Kim Phyong Hwa latched onto an inadequate French clearance, but her strike was wild and sailed high and wide.
The Asian outfit finally unleashed a shot on goal five minutes into the second period when Kim Phyong Hwa latched onto an inadequate French clearance, but her strike was wild and sailed high and wide.
A positive drive towards the Korea DPR penalty area by Diani after 57 minutes earned France
a free-kick in a dangerous, central area. Goalscorer Declercq stepped
up, looking for a personal and collective second goal, but her effort
was blocked by the defensive wall.
Forced into action, Korea DPR
came agonisingly close to an equaliser midway through the second half. A
fast-paced counter-attack concluded with Ri Hyang Sim finding space on
the right. The forward danced past a challenge and drove a shot at the France goal but the ball cannoned back off the crossbar and clear.
Despite a marked improvement from their first-half performance, Korea DPR’s forays forward were regularly blocked by impressive defensive duo Griedge MBock Bathy and Aissatou Tounkara.
A
mistake by the former, however, handed Ri Kyong Hyang a clear chance to
level but the substitute’s drilled shot was beaten away by Romane
Bruneau on 78 minutes.
Seconds later, though, Korea DPR
were on equal terms. A long-range effort by Choe Yun Gyong brushed
against the crossbar away from Bruneau’s despairing dive, and tournament
top scorer Ri Un Sim was perfectly placed to convert the rebound into an empty net.
Korea DPR
could, and should, have completed the comeback and secured the title
twice in the closing moments, but Choe Yun Gyong’s unmarked header from a
low, inswinging corner drifted narrowly wide of the far post before Ri
Hyang Sim missed a similarly open opportunity from six yards out, and
penalties were required.
Line-up
1
|
18
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
10
|
10
|
13
|
11
(-60'
)
KIM Phyong Hwa |
14
|
12
(-56'
)
JON So Yon |
15
|
15
|
19
|
16
|
20
|
20
(-73'
)
KIM So Hyang |
Substitute(s)
16
|
1
|
21
|
21
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
8
|
8
|
11
|
13
|
12
|
14
(+56')
RI Kum Suk |
17
|
17
(+60')
KIM Un Hwa |
18
|
19
(+73')
RI Kyong Hyang |
Coaches
Guy FERRIER (FRA)
(PRK) HWANG Yong Bong
No comments:
Post a Comment