FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – GERMANY CLAIM BRONZE

AUCKLAND – Germany claimed third place at New Zealand – 2008 after a comprehensive 3-0 win over England at North Harbour Stadium. Two set-pieces and a late breakaway goal helped seal the win for Ralf Peters team as England struggled to compete against a German team keen to make up for its shock semi-final elimination.

The best chance England enjoyed in a one-sided affair was a Danielle Carter long range shot just inside the penalty area on 9 minutes and forced German goalkeeper Almuth Schultz into a regulation save.

Germany dominated the early stages and deservedly took the lead after 11 minutes when a corner by Dzsenifer Marozsan was met with a thundering header at the far post from Inka Wesley. Wesley’s header left England goalkeeper Lauren Davey with no chance.

Germany could have doubled their lead on 29 minutes after Marozsan seized on a mistake by Lucia Bronze before striking a blistering long range shot at Davey. Hasret Kayicki got in on the act ten minutes later after a pass from Marozsan released the pacy striker only for Davey to make a save that kept England in the match.

England enjoyed the majority of ball possession throughout the match but could not unlock a German defence marshalled superbly by Valeria Kleiner. England ended the half on a positive note when a cross by Jordan Nobbs found the head of Jodie Jacobs only for the inspirational defender’s header to flash wide of Schultz’s upright.

The second-half proved a pedestrian affair but it was brought to life on 63 minutes when Germany midfielder Alexandra Popp smashed a shot against Lauren Davey’s left-hand upright. With the England goal at her mercy substitute Tabea Kemme’s follow-up went straight at a relieved Davey.

Germany grabbed their second goal on 74 minutes and it was no surprise it came from another set-piece. A Marozsan corner found Wesley unmarked at the backpost and her downward header into the six yard box navigated a neat corridor between England’s static defence that allowed Turid Knaak to finish from close range.

Jordan Nobbs briefly raised England hopes on 85 minutes when her fiery 35 yard drive crashed into Schultz’s right hand upright. However Germany had the last say when Lynn Mester added her team’s third goal after good work by Carolin Simon.

England coach Losi Fidler said Germany were worthy of their win.

"We had a lot of tired legs out there. The Germans deserved their win; physically, they were just too much for us. We tried our best to contain them but we didn’t deal with their presence at set pieces.

But we’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations here and I was proud of them again today in terms of the dignity and character they showed in defeat," Fidler said.

Fidler’s opposite number Ralf Peter said claiming bronze capped off a memorable tournament for his young charges.

"We end the tournament satisfied to have reached our goal, which was to win a medal. Of course, we would have preferred to compete in the final, but you have to be able to accept what you deserve.

Today, we deserved to win and we have shown our true quality. Despite the disappointment of the semi-final, the girls are very happy today and leave the tournament with smiles on their faces," Peter said.

England Coach Lois Fidler said the team has exceeded everyones expectations.

"We had a lot of tired legs out there. The Germans deserved their win; physically, they were just too much for us.

"We tried our best to contain them but we didn’t deal with their presence at set pieces. But we’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations here and I was proud of them again today in terms of the dignity and character they showed in defeat."

German Coach Ralf Peter was satisfied with winning a medal at the tournament.

"We end the tournament satisfied to have reached our goal, which was to win a medal.

"Of course, we would have preferred to compete in the final, but you have to be able to accept what you deserve.

"Today, we deserved to win and we have shown our true quality. Despite the disappointment of the semi-final, the girls are very happy today and leave the tournament with smiles on their faces."

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

Attendance: 

ENG: 1. Lauren DAVEY [gk], 5. Jodie JACOBS, 6. Gemma BONNER, 7. Rebecca JANE (20. Kirsty LINNETT 71’), 8. Jordan NOBBS ©, 9. Danielle CARTER, 11. Lucy STANIFORTH, 12. Lucia BRONZE (15. Jemma ROSE 89’), 14. Stephanie MARSH (17. Sarah WILTSHIRE 53’), 16. Lauren BRUTON, 18. Rachel PITMAN.

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Rachel DALY, 3. Naomi CHADWICK, 4 Jessica HOLBROOK; 10. Isobel CHRISTIANSEN, 13. Amy CARR [rgk], 19. Paige ELI, 21. Juliana DRAYCOTT [rgk].

Yellow cards: 12. Lucy BRONZE 41’.

Red cards: None.

Coach: Lois RIDLER (ENG)

GER: 12. Almuth SCHULT [gk], 3. Inka WESLEY, 4. Valeria KLEINER ©, 5. Carolin SIMON, 6. Marie-Louise BAGEHORN (19. Claudia GOTTE 70’), 7. Turid KNAAK, 8. Lynn MESTER, 10. Dzsenifer MAROZSAN, 11. Alexandra POPP, 15. Hasret KAYICKI (9. Tabea KEMME 52’), 20. Leonie MAIER (2. Angelina LUEBCKE 89’).

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Anna SARHOLZ [rgk], 13. Julia DEBITSKI, 14. Ivana RUDELIC, 16. Nicole ROSLER, 17. Isabelle LINDEN, 18. Svenja HUTH, 21. Lisa SCHMITZ [rgk].

Yellow cards: 2. Angelina LUEBCKE 90’+1.

Red cards: None

Coach: Ralf PETER (GER)

Referee: Natalia AVDONCHENKO (RUS)

Assistant Referee 1: Vivian PEETERS (NED)

Assistant Referee 2: Judit ROMANO (ESP)

4th official: WANG Michelle PYE (CAN)