Semi-final
Netherlands 1-0 Mexico
Netherlands goal: Touzani (69)
Lina Touzani’s second-half strike was all the Netherlands needed to defeat Mexico and punch their ticket to the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™.
The reigning European champions, who are appearing in their first U-17 Women’s World Cup, will meet holders Korea DPR in Saturday’s final in a rematch of their group stage contest when the Asian side emerged with a 5-0 victory.
The Netherlands enjoyed a solid start and had the first big chance of the night when Tess Van der Vliet’s right-footed rocket slammed the crossbar and deflected away off the back of Mexico goalkeeper Valentina Murrieta.
Meanwhile, Joselyn Solis had the best look for Mexico in the first 45 when she eluded one defender but missed wide minutes before half-time.
The Dutch would finally crack the code in the second half, with Anne Gelevert playing a surgical pass into the charging Lina Touzani, who swept home a left-footed shot past Murrieta.
Mexico mounted one last charge, with a long-range effort smacking the crossbar in the final seconds, but falling to safety for the Netherlands to see things out.
Quotes
“I’m not disappointed in the team. We all pushed all the way to the end. There’s not one thought of disappointment throughout this whole game. We fought all the way to the end. There’s nothing more I could ask for. This team is wonderful. We all worked together throughout the whole game. That’s all that matters to me, is that we were fighting.”
Leila Avila, Mexico defender
“We lacked a few details. One goal cost us the game, but I want to highlight the players’ fight and their spirit to keep pushing for the equaliser until the very last minute. In the end, it’s all part of the learning process. We still have one more game, and we’ll go for third place. Our players deserve more, but right now we have to accept the loss. I think any of the 24 teams would love to be in our position, fighting for third place… and we’ll do it with full determination.”
Miguel Gamero, Mexico’s head coach
“I feel fantastic, just fantastic. First the European Championship last summer and now to the last two of the world. I’m very excited and proud that I’m coach of a team like this. It’s a pleasure. I think we found more space to play and did that much better than in the first game against Mexico. We probably had to score earlier in the second half, and after the goal, it was difficult at the end. Just being able to make it to the final four made a difference.”
Olivier Amelink, Netherlands coach
“I can’t describe how I feel, I’m so happy, it’s unbelievable! It’s the first time for the Netherlands that we reach the final, world championship, and I don’t know what to say, I’m so proud of this team, we are so strong, we fought as a team and this is the result of hard work. It was a difficult game, they are very good, very strong, but we know that from before.”
Rosalie Renfurm, Netherlands captain and Player of the Match
“I’m very happy. It was incredible that we made the final and that I have scored that goal, so amazing. I just stopped, just thought I’d shoot and if it goes in, then it goes in. If it doesn’t, then yeah, try another time, but I’m very happy that it went in.”
Lina Touzani, Netherlands forward
