- Japan, Nigeria and Spain complete quarter-final field
- Africans snatch qualification with last-gasp own-goal
- USA knocked out in the group stage for the first time
THE DAY REPLAYED – Spain, Japan and Nigeria booked their spots in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 quarter-finals in the final round of Group C and D action on Monday. However, of this trio, only the Young Nadeshiko were able to breathe easy on what was a day of comebacks. The West Africans starred in the most dramatic reversal of fortunes, breaking China PR's hearts with a last-gasp equaliser in Dinan-Lehon.
USA bowed out bravely and had La Rojita on the ropes until the very last seconds, despite trailing 2-0 at half-time. Germany, for their part, were already through to the last eight prior to their meeting with Haiti, but the already-eliminated Caribbean islanders did not depart meekly and came mighty close to claiming a momentous draw.
Results
Group C: Japan 6-0 Paraguay | Spain 2-2 USA
Group D: Germany 3-2 Haiti | China PR 1-1 Nigeria
France 2018: Matchday Six
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Qiaozhu Chen of China consoles Linlin Wang of China
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Qiaozhu Chen of China consoles Linlin Wang of China after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Spain celebrate after Patricia Guijarro of Spain scores her sides first goal
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Spain celebrate after Patricia Guijarro of Spain scores her sides first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Hinata Miyazawa of Japan is challenged by Rosa Mino and Celeste Aguilera (L-R) of Paraguay
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Hinata Miyazawa of Japan is challenged by Rosa Mino and Celeste Aguilera (L-R) of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Spain celebrate after Patricia Guijarro of Spain scores
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Spain celebrate after Patricia Guijarro of Spain scores her sides first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Saori Takarada #11 of Japan celebrates her team's first goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Saori Takarada #11 of Japan celebrates her team's first goal with team mates during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Saori Takarada #11 of Japan celebrates her team's first goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Saori Takarada #11 of Japan celebrates her team's first goal with team mates during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Patricia Guijarro of Spain battles with Laurel Ivory
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Patricia Guijarro of Spain battles with Laurel Ivory of the United States during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The Spain team huddle
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: The Spain team huddle before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Saori Takarada of Japan scores her team's second goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Saori Takarada of Japan scores her team's second goal past goalkeeper Isabel Ortiz of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Nana Ono of Japan is challenged by Rosa Mino of Paraguay
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Nana Ono of Japan is challenged by Rosa Mino of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Isabel Rodriguez of the United States tackles Patricia Guijarro of Spain
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Isabel Rodriguez of the United States tackles Patricia Guijarro of Spain during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A general view of the Japan dressing room
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: A general view of the Japan dressing room prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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USA warm up before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: USA warm up before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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General view of the Spain dressing room
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: General view of the Spain dressing room before the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Riko Ueki of Japan scores her team's third goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Riko Ueki of Japan scores her team's third goal past goalkeeper Isabel Ortiz of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Goalkeeper Laurel Ivory of the United States
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Goalkeeper Laurel Ivory of the United States is unable to stop the shot from Lucia Garcia of Spain (not pictured) who scores her teams second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Hana Takahashi of Japan jumps for a header with Lorena Alonso and Lice Chamorro of Paraguay
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Hana Takahashi of Japan jumps for a header with Lorena Alonso and Lice Chamorro of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Lucia Garcia of Spain celebrates with her team mates after she scores her sides second goal d
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Lucia Garcia of Spain celebrates with her team mates after she scores her sides second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Hinata Miyazawa of Japan is challenged by Deisy Ojeda of Paraguay
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Hinata Miyazawa of Japan is challenged by Deisy Ojeda of Paraguay during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jikta Klimkova manager / head coach of the United States
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Jikta Klimkova manager / head coach of the United States during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Patricia Guijarro of Spain battles with Laurel Ivory of the United States
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Patricia Guijarro of Spain battles with Laurel Ivory of the United States during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's sixth goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's sixth goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Berta Pujadas of Spain and Sophia Smith of the United States
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Berta Pujadas of Spain and Sophia Smith of the United States during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's sixth goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Riko Ueki of Japan celebrates her team's sixth goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Japan and Paraguay at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Pedro Lopez manager / head coach of Spain
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Pedro Lopez manager / head coach of Spain during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group C match between Spain and USA at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A general view of the Germany dressing room
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: A general view of the Germany dressing room prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jana Feldkamp of Germany and team mates concentrate in the tunnel
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Jana Feldkamp of Germany and team mates concentrate in the tunnel prior to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Fans of Germany
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Fans of Germany pose during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Yanwen Wang of China is tackled by Joy Duru of Nigeria
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Yanwen Wang of China is tackled by Joy Duru of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Linyan Zhang of China takes a tumble
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Linyan Zhang of China takes a tumble during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Laura Freigang of Germany and Danielle Darius of Haiti react
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Laura Freigang of Germany and Danielle Darius of Haiti react during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Laura Freigang of Germany scores
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Laura Freigang of Germany scores her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Laura Freigang of Germany celebrates
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Laura Freigang of Germany celebrates her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Nerilia Mondesir of Haiti is challenged by Luca Graf of Germany
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Nerilia Mondesir of Haiti is challenged by Luca Graf of Germany during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Nerilia Mondesir of Haiti jumps for a header with Klara Buehl of Germany
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Nerilia Mondesir of Haiti jumps for a header with Klara Buehl of Germany during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Shen Mengyu and Kun Jin of China tackle Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Shen Mengyu and Kun Jin of China tackle Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Klara Buehl of Germany is challenged by Naphtalie Northe of Haiti
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Klara Buehl of Germany is challenged by Naphtalie Northe of Haiti during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Yanwen Wang of China and Chidinma Okeke of Nigeria
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Yanwen Wang of China and Chidinma Okeke of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Linyan Zhang of China celebrates after she scores
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Linyan Zhang of China celebrates after she scores her teams first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Laura Freigang of Germany celebrates
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Laura Freigang of Germany celebrates her team's first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Danielle Darius of Haiti reacts as Kristin Kögel of Germany celebrates
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Danielle Darius of Haiti reacts as Kristin Koegel of Germany celebrates her team's second goal with team mates during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Sherly Juedy of Haiti in action
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Sherly Juedy of Haiti in action during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Steve Bardens - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kristin Kögel #11 of Germany celebrates
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Kristin Koegel #11 of Germany celebrates her team's second goal with team mates during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jaixing Dou of China battles with Gift Monday of Nigeria
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Jaixing Dou of China battles with Gift Monday of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Nerilia Mondesir #10 of Haiti celebrates
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Nerilia Mondesir #10 of Haiti celebrates her team's second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Nerilia Mondesir #10 of Haiti celebrates her team's second goal
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Nerilia Mondesir #10 of Haiti celebrates her team's second goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Peace Efih of Nigeria and Qian Yang of China
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Peace Efih of Nigeria and Qian Yang of China during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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China PR v Nigeria: Group D - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 - Nigeria celebrate late goal
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Christopher Musa manager / head coach of Nigeria runs onto the pitch with his team as they celebrate after Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria scores her teams first goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Linyan Zhang of China is hugged by Joy Duru of Nigeria
13 Aug 2018
DINAN, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Linyan Zhang of China is hugged by Joy Duru of Nigeria after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between China PR and Nigeria at Stade du Clos Gastel on August 13, 2018 in Dinan, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Players of Germany pose for a team photo
13 Aug 2018
VANNES, FRANCE - AUGUST 13: Players of Germany pose for a team photo after the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 group D match between Germany and Haiti at Stade de la Rabine on August 13, 2018 in Vannes, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Memorable moments
Japan give Paraguay painful sense of déjà vu
Two years ago, Japan and Paraguay met in the group stage of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. On that occasion as well, the Asians ran rings around the South Americans, eventually romping to a 5-0 victory. A number of players appeared in both encounters, including strike duo Saori Takarada and Riko Ueki, who were both hat-trick heroes this time round. Takarada also found the net in the 2016 fixture.
Germany stutter but seal sole clean sweep
Of the eight quarter-finalists, only Die Mannschaft go into the knockout stage with a perfect record. However, after keeping clean sheets against Nigeria and China PR, whom they defeated 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, the three-time champions made heavy weather of overcoming Haiti and conceded their first goals of the tournament. Coach Maren Meinert will be keen to iron out some kinks ahead of the last-eight encounter with Japan, who are one of the competition's most fearsome attacking forces.
One goal, a world of difference
USA and Nigeria both went into second-half stoppage time in their respective games in Dinan-Lehon needing one goal to change their fortunes. The Super Falconets managed to salvage a draw with practically the final kick of their match against China PR, being indebted to a 95th-minute own-goal for their quarter-final berth. By contrast, the Stars and Stripes were unable to complete their comeback against Spain, in spite of scoring twice in the final ten minutes. It means that the three-time U-20 Women's World Cup winners have failed to get beyond the group stage for the first time.
The words
“It was a hard, hard-fought game and we know it is not good for the evolution and development of football to just go out in the group stage, so that is why we kept going and kept going and kept going. We didn’t come to sit back and look for a draw, but the goal came just in the nick of time.”
Nigeria coach Christopher Musa
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Up next
Quarter-finals
Spain-Nigeria, Concarneau, 16:00 local time, 16 August
Germany-Japan, Vannes, 19:30 local time, 17 August
