FWWC-U-20: How Germany, Colombia Reached Semi Finals

Germany and Colombia both advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Germany 2010 on Saturday following respective 2-0 wins over Korea DPR and Sweden.

The tournament hosts proved far too strong for their North Korean opponents in Bolchum, gradually imposing their superiority as the first half wore on, with Dzsenifer Marozsan and Kim Kulig both impressing. It was the in-form Alexandra Popp who put the home side in front, however, volleying home just before half-time. Sylvia Arnold rolled in a second with 21 minutes remaining to take the unflappable Germans into the semis for the fourth time.

Earlier in the day, Colombia saw off fellow first-time quarter-finalists Sweden by the same scoreline in Bielefeld. Looking comfortable from the kick-off, Ricardo Rozo’s well-drilled side were two goals to the good after only 22 minutes, Yourely Rincon and Tatiana Ariza the players on target. Having come from behind to beat both New Zealand and Korea DPR in the group phase, the Scandinavians could find no way back on this occasion, with the determined Colombia holding on to their lead without too much trouble.