USA comeback against Germany, advance on PKs to U-20 WWC semifinals | OneFootball

CALI, Colombia – The United States rallied to cut a two-goal deficit in the final two minutes of injury time and win 3-1 in the penalty shootout against Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia.

With goals from Jordynn Dudley in the 90’+8 and Allyson Sentnor in the 90’+9, the United States tied the match before the end of regular time. Goalkeeper Teagan Wy made a save in the fourth round of spot kicks to seal a trip to the semifinals for the lone Concacaf representative left in the tournament.

Sentnor, the U.S. captain, made herself present from the beginning stages of the match, sending a right foot shot over the crossbar in the 14’. She created another chance in the 26’ after a great collective play, sending a right-foot shot that went again over the post.

The U.S. had the last couple of chances of the first half, with Pietra Tordin having an attempt in the 45'+1, but the ball was wide off the left post. Ally Lemos had a look in the 45’+3’ from a free kick, but Germany goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk denied the attempt as the score remained nil-nil at halftime.

Germany broke the deadlock from a penalty following a Giselle Thompson foul on Loreen Bender in the 58’. Cora Zicai sent the ball into the upper left corner to put the Germans up in the 61’.

The Germans extended their lead in the 90’+2’, as Bender put the finishing touch on a second-chance opportunity and seemingly decided the encounter.

The United States never stopped pushing, and Jordynn Dudley pulled one back in the 90’+8’ after receiving a ball inside the box and providing the right-footed hit that cut the deficit.

The U.S. completed the comeback in the 90’+9' as Sentnor sent the ball to the back of the German net with her right foot to meet a last-gasp ball into the box from Maddie Dahlien to tie the match and force extra time.

Neither side scored a third goal in the additional thirty minutes of play, and penalties would be needed to decide which nation advanced to the seminals.

Sentnor, Leah Klenke, and Riley Jackson struck their attempts for the United States, while Germany only converted their opening kick from Jella Veit. Wy got a hand to deny Alara Sehitler in the fourth round to decide the winner.

The United States continues its quest for a fourth U-20 World Cup trophy when it meets Korea DPR on Wednesday at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final.