The U17 Women's World Cup quarterfinals came to a climax this morning as the clock struck Beijing time. Japan and England played a 2-2 battle in regulation time, but lost 1-4 on penalties, leaving the tournament with a 3-6 aggregate score and a shattered semi-final dream.
The first half was an exciting back and forth affair. Japan's U17 women were the first to score in the 24th minute when Yuna Aoki stepped up to score. But England were not willing to be left behind and in the 28th minute, Erica Parkinson equalized the score with a brilliant goal. Yona Hirakawa then scored again for Japan in the 29th minute to give Japan a 2-1 lead at the end of the first half.
After a change of possession, England women's soccer player Zara Shaw tied the game in the 71st minute with an own goal. The match was tied at 2-2 in the 90th minute and the match went into extra time. Neither team scored in the extra time and the penalty shootout was the key to the victory. England scored all four of their penalties, while Japan scored only one. The England U17 Women's soccer team had the last laugh in the penalty shootout and advanced to the semi-finals.
