TOKYO: Another United States’ women’s team is on the brink of a major title after the Olympic success of the seniors at London 2012.

The US will face defending champions Germany in Saturday’s  final of the FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup after beating  Nigeria 2-0 in the semis on goals in each half from Morgan Brian and Kealia Ohai. The US are seeking to regain a crown they won in  2002 and 2008.

Coach Steve Swanson said; “It was a difficult match physically. Nigeria gave us all we could handle and a little more. Getting that first goal was key for us. Our back four did a very good job of keeping possession.”

Germany, seeking to become the first team to win consecutive titles, scored three goals in the opening 20 minutes in beating hosts Japan 3-0. Melanie Leupolz opened the scoring in the first minute, Dzsenifer Marozsan doubled the lead in the 13th Lena Lotzen headed the third in the 19th for her sixth goal of the tournament.

Japan face Nigeria in the third place play-off also on Saturday before the US meet Germany in the final.

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