The stakes will rise even higher this Wednesday in Morocco. Only four teams remain, each dreaming of global glory.
Historically, the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ have tended to be intense and highly competitive, with a few memorable individual performances thrown in for good measure.
Ahead of the last four kicking off in Morocco, FIFA looks back at five unforgettable last-four duels.
Dominican Republic 2024
Spain goals: Alba Cerrato (45+2), Pau Comendador (58), Zara Shaw own goal (90+9)
Returning to the semi-finals for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2008 and facing defending champions Spain, England approached the tie with high hopes of reaching the final. Despite a strong start, however, they ultimately had to bow to the technical superiority of La Rojita, perfectly illustrated by the second goal from Pau Comendador, the tournament’s future adidas Golden Boot winner.
India 2022
This match played a major role in Linda Caicedo’s rise to legendary status. In the only semi-final in history not to involve a team from AFC, Concacaf or UEFA, the South Americans dominated a fiercely contested encounter that was finally decided by a tense penalty shootout. The young Colombians prevailed, becoming the first team from their continent to reach the final, where they ultimately fell 1-0 to Spain.
Costa Rica 2014
Venezuela goal: Deyna Castellanos (90+1)
Japan goals: Fuka Nagano (13, 62 pen), Nana Ichise (32), Rikako Kobayashi (51)
In Costa Rica in 2014, Japan fielded one of the most impressive teams the competition has ever seen. With Fuka Nagano orchestrating play, the Young Nadeshiko deservedly went all the way to lift the trophy. On their path to glory, the surprise package Venezuela – led by Deyna Castellanos – could do little to contain a side destined for the history books, and the only team to ever score four goals in a U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Azerbaijan 2012
France goals: Kadidiatou Diani (30, 88)
In 2012, France became the first European side to reach the final – and later to win the trophy. Featuring a wealth of players who would go on to shine at senior level including Griedge Mbock, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro, Les Bleuettes went up against Ghana – and it was another future superstar, Kadidiatou Diani, who left her mark with a decisive brace.
New Zealand 2008
Germany goal: Alex Popp (6)
USA goals: Vicki DiMartino (63), Courtney Verloo (81)
When Germany and the USA met in the final four of the very first U-17 Women’s World Cup, the match had all the makings of a ‘final before the final’. The senior teams of both nations had shared the last three World Cup titles between them, and the long-awaited clash saw Germany strike first through future icon Alex Popp. However, the Americans turned things around with patience and determination, earning their place in the final, which they would go on to lose 2-1 after extra time against Korea DPR.
