KolkataSpain qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final after beating Italy 2-0 in Łódź.
The Spanish side showed their dominance in big parts of the semi-final as Daniela Agote proved a constant threat on the right wing. Italy goalkeeper Elena Belli did well to make a number of key saves to keep her side in the match, but Spain eventually broke through just before half-time.
Spain’s opener was initially credited to Alba Cerrato, but the goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee for a handball in the build-up. Their pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute, Agote’s cross was deflected off Italy defender Azzurra Gallo and looped over the line for Spain to take a 1-0 lead.
Italy failed to create many chances in the first half, but Paola Fadda did force a fine save from Spanish goalkeeper Laia Lopez just before the break. Spain went into the break knowing they deserved their advantage and having registered 14 shots compared to Italy’s one.
The pattern of the game was repeated in the second half with Spain in control and increasing their lead in the 57th minute.
Agote again led the charge as she played a quick counter-attack before delivering a low cross into the box that Pau Comendador headed into an empty net. It was the sixth goal of the tournament for Comendador, putting her top of the Golden Boot scoring charts at the time.
The final whistle confirmed a 2–0 victory for Spain and a place in Sunday’s World Cup final.
For Italy, the defeat ended a historic run to the semi-finals. The Azzurrine will now play in the third-place match on Saturday, while Spain will face DPR Korea.
