Dominating performances in both fixtures of the Semi Final stage down in Costa Rica as Japan hammered Venezuela 4-1 with the Asian ladies making it 0-2 by the half. Fuka Nagano and Nana Ichise were the strikers on form early on, scoring in the 13th and 33rd minutes respectively. The South Americans, making it to this stage for the first time in their country's history, were simply outdone as the Japanese controlled possession with 59% of the ball and double the strikes as their opponents. Going into the second half, Rikako Kobayashi won through the defense in the 52nd minute, striking past the demoralized Franyely Rodriguez in the Venezuelan goal. Making it 0-3, Hina Sugita followed up by converting her penalty in the 63rd minute of the game. By way of consolation, Venezuela were able to make it 1-4 in the 2nd minute of stoppage time of the second half through Deyna Castellanos. The Latina Americans should be proud of what they accomplished in Costa Rica in this tournament, making it to the Semi Finals was much more than they would have ever believed possible. Japan were justifiable winners, and they will face Spain in the Final of the World Cup while Italy take on Venezuela for third.
In that other Semi Final fixture, the Italians were able to hold the Spaniards into the second half following a tense first half. While the Italians actually had ever so slender leads as far as shot opportunities and shots on target were concerned, the Spanish held a sliver more possession than their opponents: 51% to 49%. The Italian defense let their side down though, fouling twice in the goal box to provide Spain the two chances they needed to claim victory. The first came in the 48th minute off the foot of Sandra Hernandez while, with nine minutes to play, Nahikari Garcia made it 0-2 in the 81st minute. Francesca Durante was, as always, in terrific form, and the third place match should be just as brilliant as the Final.
Speaking of the final two matches of the U-17 tournament, Japan-Spain in the showpiece game will be an enthralling one. I would love to see the Asian's claim victory, as they should outscore the Spanish if it comes down to it. If the Spaniards begin getting flustered, I wouldn't be surprised if they begin breaking down - both in terms of discipline and defensively - while Japan have a solid head on their shoulders and a good set of feet at the ends of their legs. A great deal will depend on whether or not Spain goalkeeper Elena De Toro can hold up to the firepower of Japan (particularly Hina Sugita and Yui Hasegawa). At the same time, Spain's Nahikari Garcia is the main threat though Pilar Garrote has scored three times in this tournament, though she isn't the most consistent. If Mamiko Matsumoto can keep her amazing form in the Japanese goal, and players such as Shiho Matsubara and Nana Ichise perform at the level they have been, the Europeans may see all their hard work thus far go up in smoke. Between Venezuela and Italy, I would pick the South Americans to win. Essentially replaying their final group stage match-up, I don't think much has changed between then - when the Venezuelans edged their opponents 1-0 - and now. I just hope both sides have spirit remaining to make it as interesting a game as it could be. The Italian defense will give the Latin Americans a headache, but Deyna Castellanos and Gabriela Garcia should be able to get through at least once. It would be great to see Yuleisi Rivero get some pitch time, but I think she'll only come on if the Venezuelans cement a fantastic lead. Expect a post about the Champions League later this week as well!
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