MARGAO: The USA drubbed Morocco 4-0 to set up a quarterfinal with Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Friday, thanks to double strikes by player-of-the- match Charlotte Kohler playing her first match of the tournament, and substitute Samantha Smith.
Playing in Group A, at the PJN Stadium at Fatorda on Monday, Kohler scored in the 24th and 73rd minutes while Smith struck in the 68th and 81st.
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The US went into the match needing a draw to progress to the knockouts and led just 1-0 at half-time. Morocco needed a win and were in with a chance until the 68th minute when Smith’s goal rewarded American domination and opened the floodgates.
The freshness of approach, exemplified by Kohler and Smith, and the retention of composure and gameplan to break down the hitherto uncompromising Moroccan defence made for a resounding win by the US.
Cameron Roller provided the assist from the edge of the box for Kohler to draw first blood. Emeri Adames paved way for the second, pulling the ball back for Smith to slot home with a lunging effort to make it 2-0.
The energy and enterprise of substitute Amalia Villarreal made for another clinical assist for Smith to make it 3-0 with her second goal. The effervescent Villarreal was to do an encore. Her dash down the left followed by composure and control set up Kohler to score her second and bury the match.
