News: Just In: Petermann lifts Germany to U-20 Women's World Cup title, past Nigeria in extra time

Lena Petermann’s goal in extra time lifted Germany past Nigeria, 1-0 in extra time in the U-20 Women’s World Cup final on Sunday at Olympic Stadium. The triumph is is Germany’s third, tying the European country for the most all-time with the United States.
Germany also defeated Nigeria on home soil in the 2010 final, winning 2-0.
Petermann found the breakthrough eight minutes into extra time. Pauline Bremer stole the ball off Nigeria defender Dladys Abasi on the right flank, dribbled to the endline and crossed it to an open Bremer, who tucked it into the net with her right foot against the run of play.
Nigeria had most of the chances throughout regulation, none better than in the 85th minute. Nigeria forward Loveth Ayila touched a ball already headed into the goal and was called offside. Germany goalkeeper Meike Kämper could only push Oshoala’s initial shot back in front of her, allowing Chinwendu Ihezuo to head the ball toward an empty net. But as it bounced over the line, Ayila smashed it into the net with her right foot foot for emphasis, and was deemed offside.

Oshoala and Ayila got in each other’s way in the first half, when what may have otherwise been a routine tap-in was blazed over the bar from 12 yards out as both players swung at the ball just before halftime. Oshoala, who blew past German defenders all night, also missed an empty net from an acute anglein the 22nd minute after capitalizing on a mistake by German defender Margarita Gidion.
Germany’s chances were more scattered, but also went begging.
Nigeria has appeared in all seven U-20 Women’s World Cups, all three U-17 Women’s World Cups, and all six senior Women’s World Cups, but has never won a World Cup at any level. The Falconettes were bidding to become the first African nation to win a women’s FIFA event. Sara Däbritz sent back-to-back free kicks into the box toward Bremer’s head in the 64th and 69th minutes, but Bremer missed the first on a wide-open chance and the second was cleared for a corner kick.
Nigeria goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii came up big when called upon in the 78th minute, smothering Petermann’s attempt to poke in a Bremer through ball.