Spain's Vicky Lopez celebrates after scoring a brace against Japan.
PANAJI
Three crucial substitutions by Spain coach Eugenio Gonzalo Martín helped break the deadlock in what was a tense semifinal clash with European giants Germany as the Iberians exacted revenge following a loss in the Euros final earlier in May.
Real Madrid midfielder Noelia Correro Ferrer was brought in the 60th minute for defender Sara Ortega while Forward Lucía Corrales Álvarez came in for Cristina Librán Quiroga in the 71st minute. The third pivotal substitute was midfielder Ainhoa Alguacil Amores who replaced star striker Carla Camacho in the 86th minute.
Four minutes later, a long hand-throw from Noelia was picked up in the box by Alguacil who beautifully flicked the ball with the outside of her right foot to beat Germany's Svea Stoldt before unleashing a low cross to Corrales who found the net with a tidy finish giving Spain a much-deserved 1-0 win at the Fatorda Stadium.
The Germans started really strong and ghosts from the past almost came back to haunt Spain once again as Alara Sehitler's attempt from the corner was punched away by goalkeeper Sofia Fuente only to land at the feet of Mara Alber near the inside edge of the box. Alber, who scored the equaliser in the Euros final, launched one into the far-post in what could've been an astounding goal only for VAR to disallow it due to an offside.
Germany were a shadow of themselves after the disallowed goal as Spain took total control of the game. La Roja put on a proper team display, making it difficult for the Germans to build up attacks and nullify potential attempts from the flanks.
In the other semifinal, Colombia had ample opportunities and could have even put the game to bed in the first half if not for poor finishing. Nigeria goalkeeper Faith Omilana put on a massive shift to deny Colombia's mercurial forward Linda Caicedo on several occasions.
The South American Yesica Munoz who was already having a bad day at the office, having missed a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the first half and failing to beat the keeper in a 1-v-1 situation in the second was only dented further as her penalty was saved in the shootout.
Nigeria's Comfort Folorunsho missed the final spot-kick to hand Colombia a 6-5 victory on penalties.
The Colombians could find themselves in an uphill battle should they put on a similar display against a tactical and well-organised Spain. Deportivo Cali striker Linda Caicedo, who is the joint-top goal-scorer and has lit up the World Cup with her mature performances will be heavily relied upon.
Spain's wingers could be a real threat to the Colombians, especially Barcelona's Vicky López. The 16-year-old isn't afraid to take on several players at once. She also had a great outing against the Colombians in their Group C encounter and had a goal ruled out due to a handball in the build-up to the goal. However, Jone Amezaga made the difference on the right wing, cutting past Colombia's Stefania Perlaza and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to give Spain a 1-0 win.
This is the first time a Colombian side has ever made it to the World Cup finals and a win would create history while reigning champions Spain could become the first country to ever win two U-17 World Cups on the trot.
Battle for third
Germany and Nigeria met earlier in their opening game of Group B where Die Mannschaft came back from behind to beat the Africans 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium.
Nigeria have been a tough side to beat, holding their guard against the mighty United States while dragging Colombia to penalties in the semifinals.
The Flamingos have grown with every game and German coach Friederike Kromp will have to revisit the drawing room to break that now-improved Nigerian defence.
The likes of Loreen Bender, Marie Steiner and Alara Sehitler will have to step up in attack after failing to make an impact against Spain while Mara Alber's solo efforts often turned fruitless.
