A time to dare: Guessing the fate of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals

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If you’re keen to get up to speed on the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup taking place in our very own backyard, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome on board, an exciting journey lies ahead.

Group games are over and half the teams are eliminated. I will delve into the mighty 8 that still stand and who they will be matching up against.

Quarter-final 1 will be played between USA and Nigeria

21st October, 2022

4:30 pm local time

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

USA: A very interesting dynamic for this American side since the world knows the seniors as a formidable team. As for the U17 age group, after finishing second in the 2008 edition, they have never managed to make it past the group stage of this competition [5 attempts]. This time around though, they carried momentum & confidence from the U17 CONCACAF victory in April into the tournament at the world stage. 

2 wins and a draw in 3 group games, 13 scored and 1 conceded meant that they finished top of Group A on the basis of goal difference. Midfielder Charlotte Kohler is in the golden boot race with 3 goals and 1 assist to her name. Indian-American Mia Bhuta and Rosewell, GA native Riley Jackon share the armband and are vital in controlling the midfield tempo. 20 out of 21 on the roster have got minutes on the field with incredible squad depth on display.

Fun fact: Riley Jackson’s hometown Rosewell City, GA has a population less than twice the capacity of the stadium she will be playing the quarter-final in [DY Patil Stadium].

“Quarter-finals, here we come!” @USWNT | #U17WWC pic.twitter.com/MObenSjYY2

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022

NIGERIA: Nigeria has participated in all editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup except for the one in 2018. At that time, in qualifying, their score vs Cameroon was 3-3 over two legs, but Cameroon had more away goals and thus progressed to the World Cup. Nigeria was surely determined to make a comeback and they did, and have qualified for the knockouts along the way. An important win against Chile on matchday 3 gave them the second spot in Group B. 

Captain Blessing Emmanuel shared the meaning behind their salute goal celebration saying “it is a salute to Nigeria, thanking them for their support and everything. It’s a great privilege to represent Nigeria at the World Cup”. Rest assured they will need extra support on Friday to get past mighty USA.

See you in the #U17WWC quarter-finals, @NGSuper_Falcons! #KickOffTheDream pic.twitter.com/0dZzIbKtiE

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022

Fun fact: Forward Amina Bello of Nigeria has 3 assists to her name as the group stage ends. The most in this World Cup so far. 

My prediction: USA 3-1 Nigeria. Would love to see a fight but I think the USA will take this one.

Quarter-final 2 will be played between Germany and Brazil

21st October, 2022

8:00 pm local time

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

GERMANY: Much like the USA, Germany entered this competition having been recently crowned as best in their continent, winning the U17 EUROs in May 2022. A quarter-final berth was secured after matchday 2 as they sat on 6 points and no other team in their group did.

They have scored 11 and conceded 2 in the group stage and will be hoping to do one better than their 2018 result by progressing to the semi-final of the World Cup. Loreen Bender is right beside USA’s Kohler in that golden boot race, with 3 goals to her name so far.

Next stop for @DFB_Frauen: quarter-finals! #U17WWC | #KickOffTheDream pic.twitter.com/kh7PzfhK3o

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022

Fun fact: Former German international and West Ham player Julia Simic is the Assistant Coach of this U17 team! Talk about passing on the baton.

BRAZIL: In Indian Head Coach Thomas Dennerby’s words “Brazil is a classic football team”. The 2022 CONMEBOL U-17 Women’s Championship winners come into this competition on the back of two consecutive group stage exits in the previous two editions. Johnson scored 9 goals in qualifying and also scored Brazil’s World Cup opener vs Morocco. Defeating India 5-0 in their final matchday ensured they head into the quarter-finals for the first time in 8 years.

Brazilian midfielder Lara shared her thoughts post-match – “I’m so happy for scoring two goals [they were worldies] and the victory. We are prepared for the quarter-final.” 

Classificadas!

See you in the next round, @SelecaoFeminina!

</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>If you’re keen to get up to speed on the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup taking place in our very own backyard, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome on board, an exciting journey lies ahead.</p> <p>Group games are over and half the teams are eliminated. I will delve into the mighty 8 that still stand and who they will be matching up against.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>Quarter-final 1 will be played between USA and Nigeria</p> <p>21st October, 2022</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>4:30 pm local time</p> <p>Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>USA: A very interesting dynamic for this American side since the world knows the seniors as a formidable team. As for the U17 age group, after finishing second in the 2008 edition, they have never managed to make it past the group stage of this competition [5 attempts]. This time around though, they carried momentum & confidence from the U17 CONCACAF victory in April into the tournament at the world stage. </p> <p>2 wins and a draw in 3 group games, 13 scored and 1 conceded meant that they finished top of Group A on the basis of goal difference. Midfielder Charlotte Kohler is in the golden boot race with 3 goals and 1 assist to her name. Indian-American Mia Bhuta and Rosewell, GA native Riley Jackon share the armband and are vital in controlling the midfield tempo. 20 out of 21 on the roster have got minutes on the field with incredible squad depth on display.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>Fun fact: Riley Jackson’s hometown Rosewell City, GA has a population less than twice the capacity of the stadium she will be playing the quarter-final in [DY Patil Stadium].</p> <p>“Quarter-finals, here we come!” @USWNT | #U17WWC pic.twitter.com/MObenSjYY2<br /> — FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>NIGERIA: Nigeria has participated in all editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup except for the one in 2018. At that time, in qualifying, their score vs Cameroon was 3-3 over two legs, but Cameroon had more away goals and thus progressed to the World Cup. Nigeria was surely determined to make a comeback and they did, and have qualified for the knockouts along the way. An important win against Chile on matchday 3 gave them the second spot in Group B. </p> <p>Captain Blessing Emmanuel shared the meaning behind their salute goal celebration saying “it is a salute to Nigeria, thanking them for their support and everything. It’s a great privilege to represent Nigeria at the World Cup”. Rest assured they will need extra support on Friday to get past mighty USA.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>See you in the #U17WWC quarter-finals, @NGSuper_Falcons! #KickOffTheDream pic.twitter.com/0dZzIbKtiE<br /> — FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022<br /> Fun fact: Forward Amina Bello of Nigeria has 3 assists to her name as the group stage ends. The most in this World Cup so far. </p> <p>My prediction: USA 3-1 Nigeria. Would love to see a fight but I think the USA will take this one.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>Quarter-final 2 will be played between Germany and Brazil</p> <p>21st October, 2022</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>8:00 pm local time</p> <p>Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>GERMANY: Much like the USA, Germany entered this competition having been recently crowned as best in their continent, winning the U17 EUROs in May 2022. A quarter-final berth was secured after matchday 2 as they sat on 6 points and no other team in their group did.</p> <p>They have scored 11 and conceded 2 in the group stage and will be hoping to do one better than their 2018 result by progressing to the semi-final of the World Cup. Loreen Bender is right beside USA’s Kohler in that golden boot race, with 3 goals to her name so far.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>Next stop for @DFB_Frauen: quarter-finals! #U17WWC | #KickOffTheDream pic.twitter.com/kh7PzfhK3o<br /> — FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 17, 2022<br /> Fun fact: Former German international and West Ham player Julia Simic is the Assistant Coach of this U17 team! Talk about passing on the baton.</p> <p>BRAZIL: In Indian Head Coach Thomas Dennerby’s words “Brazil is a classic football team”. The 2022 CONMEBOL U-17 Women’s Championship winners come into this competition on the back of two consecutive group stage exits in the previous two editions. Johnson scored 9 goals in qualifying and also scored Brazil’s World Cup opener vs Morocco. Defeating India 5-0 in their final matchday ensured they head into the quarter-finals for the first time in 8 years.</p> <!-- WP QUADS Content Ad Plugin v. 2.0.84 --> <div class="quads-location quads-ad241053 " id="quads-ad241053" style="float:none;margin:0px 3px 3px 3px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;" data-lazydelay="0"> <!-- WP QUADS - Quick AdSense Reloaded v.2.0.84 Content AdSense async --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block;" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7550963679842137" data-ad-slot="3250057321"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script> <!-- end WP QUADS --> </div> <p>Brazilian midfielder Lara shared her thoughts post-match – “I’m so happy for scoring two goals [they were worldies] and the victory. We are prepared for the quarter-final.” </p> <p>Classificadas!<br /> See you in the next round, @SelecaoFeminina!<br />