Kolkata: Brazil reached the quarter-finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating USA in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16 match at the U20 Women’s World Cup in Katowice, Poland on Monday.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when Sofia Couto gave Brazil the lead. The USA responded almost immediately, with Ainsley McCammon scoring four minutes later to restore parity. The two goals came in a tense spell of the match, and neither side was able to find a second before the game went to penalties.
The sides had come into the match as two of the strongest nations historically in the tournament and did not disappoint, battling fiercely from the first whistle to the last in a tense encounter that saw both sides leave everything on the field.
Brazil came into the match as Group B winners following three consecutive victories. They were up against the United States who had made it through to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing with four points in Group D.
It took extra time before either side could find the net and despite both teams having numerous efforts on goal in the additional 30 minutes, they remained locked at 1-1.
However, Brazil eventually triumphed 4-3 on penalties to book their place in the last eight of the tournament.
Brazil have enjoyed a successful campaign so far in Poland, having beaten Tanzania 4-1 in their opening match before claiming a 3-0 victory over Canada and a thrilling 2-1 win against England in which they scored nine goals and only conceded one.
The United States had earlier exited the group stages after a 2-1 defeat by Italy and a 2-2 draw with Japan. However, they bounced back with a stunning 9-0 win over New Zealand in which Kennedy Fuller scored a hat-trick and Alex Buck scored twice.
Brazil will now prepare for their quarter-final clash, looking to continue their fine form at the tournament and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2012.
Brazil will face Spain in the quarter-finals. Spain won against Portugal in the other match of Round 16 and will meet Brazil in the next stage of the tournament.
