US spirit edges German power, Japanese finesse

The history books may suggest that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 followed a familiar pattern. USA edged 2010 champions Germany, and fellow heavyweight of the women’s game, in the decider to claim their third crown - one more with than their rivals - with only Korea DPR breaking the hegemony six years ago in Russia.

However, a number of teams appeared capable of winning passage to the final in what was an even competition, aside from several hefty defeats suffered by South American qualifiers Argentina. Notably, group winners Nigeria, Korea DPR and hosts Japan all impressed at times, only to eventually fall by the wayside.