After winning a World Cup match, some players burst with joy, but others, like Valentina Murrieta, glow with pure happiness. Moments after almost single-handedly knocking Italy out of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™ in penalties, Mexico’s keeper was understandably over the moon, as she was quick to tell FIFA that it was “the best day of her life”.
“And hopefully, there’s more to come”, she added. “I want another match like this… and to win the final.”
The Club America shot-stopper put in one of the finest performances in the history of the tournament against Italy. The last line of Mexico’s defence pulled off some decisive saves and came to the rescue on two occasions in the first half, stopping penalties from Rachele Giudici shortly after the quarter-hour mark and Giulia Galli just before half-time.
“It was frustrating to give away two penalties, but I stuck to what I had to do, and luckily it helped the team,” said the Mexican teenager. “Thankfully I saved those spot-kicks and we managed to keep a clean sheet and go to a penalty shootout.”
The goalkeeper was not done yet, and once again spoiled Giudici’s evening by stopping her attempt during a nerve-wracking shootout. Her teammates were faultless on their part, so her save made all the difference.
“I had total faith in my teammates; I knew they could do it,” said Murrieta. “All I thought was that if I could stop one, that would be enough. They were determined to hit the back of the net.”
By beating Italy, not only have Mexico returned to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2018, but they have also made history by equalling a record. By keeping a clean sheet, just as they had done in their three previous outings against Paraguay (1–0), Cameroon (1–0) and the Netherlands (1–0), the young Mexicans matched the record for the number of consecutive matches without conceding a goal in the competition, which stands at four. They now sit alongside two other teams: Japan in 2014 and Korea DPR in 2024.
Skipper and stalwart defender Berenice Ibarra described the winning formula. “It’s about consistency and believing in ourselves, being confident and playing to the best of our ability in every match.”
Coach Miguel Gamero is probably the most appreciative of Mexico’s performance, having been impressed by both his backline and young goalkeeper.
“If we concede a goal, we have to score two [to win],” said Gamero. “Keeping clean sheets has been extremely important for us. It meant we won matches 1-0, and it also helped us reach the penalty shootout. It’s definitely worthy of praise because the players put in an excellent defensive performance.”
Their semi-finals opponents are the Netherlands, a side they beat 1-0 on the second matchday of the tournament, thanks to a moment of genius from Citlalli Reyes, despite playing with ten players. Now Mexico have the chance to become the first team in the tournament’s history to go five matches without conceding a goal. Ibarra has already made it clear that her team are not planning to change their approach.
“Like every match, we’re going to pull out all the stops and fight for this badge with everything we’ve got. We’ll fix our mistakes and play at our best again,” she promised.
At this year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup, goalkeepers have been in fine form, with France’s Nell Poye, Brazil’s Ana Morganti and the Netherlands’ Maren Groothoff all shining brightly. Murrieta is another impressive keeper who has earned her place between the posts.
“We know what Valentina can do, but the key is to demonstrate it in these moments,” said Gamero. “That’s what she did, and I’m very proud of her, all her teammates, and even the substitutes who supported the team right up to the last minute.”
Armed with this mindset and impressive energy, Mexico can dream big about returning to the final seven years later.
