WELLINGTON – Canada’s semi-final dreams are over after a double from the outstanding Dzsenifer Marozsan helped Germany to a convincing 3-1 win at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Wellington today.

The 16-year-old German No10 has established herself as one of the stars of this tournament and she continued her side’s habit of striking early with a superb third-minute opener.

Picking up the ball at the edge of the area, Marozsan showed some delightful footwork to shift the ball into space before rifling a right-foot shot beyond the helpless Genevieve Richard.

Canada now had a mountain to climb, and that ascent became all the more unlikely when some dreadful defending allowed Lynn Mester to sneak in to convert the rebound after Alexandra Popp had a left-foot shot against the face of the post.

For many it seemed the match was over following Germanys second goal but the Canucks showed their mettle by hauling themselves back into contention as half-time approached, Nkem Ezurike poking home from close range after Tiffany Cameron had knocked the ball back across goal.

The Germans dominated the second half, controlling possession for long spells and creating a host of good chances for Popp, Marozsan and Kemme who all went close.

Canada goalkeeper Genevieve Richard was on top form to keep the game within reach for Canada and will be remembered at NZ 2008 as one of the tournament’s top keepers.

Canada always looked dangerous on the break through the speed and strength of Rachel Lemarre and she carved out some half chances but found it difficult to find support in her attacks.

Popp – regarded as having the best aerial ability at the tournament by many – struck the post with a glancing header from a well executed cross in the 60th minute and Canada clung on to hope of forcing the game to extra time.

However that hope evaporated when Marozsan showed yet more superb close control to create the space she needed to rifle home the goal that sent Ralf Peter’s side on to the last four.

It was the strikers sixth goal of the tournament and she has reinforced her billing as the most lethal attacking weapon at NZ 2008.

Canada nearly scored a consolation goal in the last minute when the energetic substitute Julia Ignacio rifled a shot off the cross bar only for the rebound to bounce to safety.

In the Semi Finals Germany will meet the winner of the match between USA and Korea played tomorrow in Hamilton.

Germany coach Ralf Peter was happy with his sides good start.

"If we score early in our matches it’s because the players are mentally strong, but there’s also an element of luck.

"We didn’t panic when they reduced the deficit to 2-1 and we dominated the second half. It’s a deserved victory but by no means an easy one. "

Canada coach Bryan Rosenfeld was full of praise for the German side.

"It’s a shame to have conceded a goal so early on. The Germans are a class above and play fast and accurate football.

"We reacted by cutting their lead before the interval but the third goal killed us off. We’ve achieved our objective, which was to make it through the first phase, and we did so while giving a good account of Canadian football.

"We play fair and we always give it our all."

Photos courtesy of FIFA Media/ Foto-Net

GOAL – The Germans celebrate their opening goal after three minutes

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008

 

Germany(2) 3 (10. Dzsenifer MAROZSAN 4’, 78’; 8. Lynn MESTER 34’;)

Canada (1) 1 ( 12. Nkem EZURIKE 44’;)

Westpac Stadium

Wellington

New Zealand

Saturday 8 November 2008

Kick-off: 16h00

CAN: 21. Genevieve RICHARD [gk]; 3. Bryanna McCARTHY ©; 6. Shelina ZADORSKY (5. Alyscha MOTTERSHEAD 67’), 8. Caroline SZWED; 10. Tiffany CAMERON, 11. Karli HEDLUND, 12. Nkem EZURIKE (15. Julia IGNACIO 63’); 13. Danica WU (9. Amy HARRISON 79’), 14. Rachel LEMARRE, 16. Alexandra SMITH, 20. Lauren GRANBERG.

Substitutes Not Used:1. Cynthia LEBLANC [rgk], 2. Kayla AFONSO, 4. Marialye LARAMEE-TORTTIER,; 7. Annick MALTAIS; 17. Nicole MITCHELL, 18. Sabrina D’ANGELO [rgk]. 19. Diamond SIMPSON;;

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None.

Coach:  Bryan ROSENFELD (CAN)

GER: 1. Anna SARHOLZ [gk]; 3. Inka WESLEY, 4. Valeria KLEINER ©, 5. Carolin SIMON, 6. Marie-Louise BAGEHORN, 7. Turid KNAAK (17. Isabelle LINDEN 86’); 8. Lynn MESTER; 9. Tabea KEMME (15. Hasret  KAYICKI 84’); 10. Dzsenifer MAROZSAN  11. Alexandra POPP (18. Svenja HUTH 89’); 20. Leonie MAIER;

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Angelina LUEBCKE; 12. Almuth SCHULT [rgk]; 13. Julia DEBITSKI; 21. Lisa SCHMITZ [rgk; Nicole ROSLER,16. ROLSER; 19. Claudia GOTTE, 14. Ivana RUDELIC;

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Coach: Ralf PETER (GER)

Referee: Silvia REYES (PER)

Assistant Referee 1: RIBIERO Cleidy Mary (BRA)

Assistant Referee 2: Maria BARBOSA (BRA)

Fourth Official: CHA Sung Mi (KOR)