Ten-girl Ghana edge Germany for bronze
Baku, October 13 (AZERTAC). A solitary Priscilla Okyere goal proved enough for Ghana to overcome a numerical disadvantage and beat Germany in the match for third place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Azerbaijan 2012.
Just two minutes were on the clock when Vivien Beil found herself in space in the Africans` box, but her shot was well parried by Victoria Agyei. Thereafter, though, there was little noteworthy action until just after the half-hour, when Fatima Alhassan picked up her second yellow card within four minutes and, consequently, a red.
Yet despite being a player down, it was Ghana who took the lead seven minutes before the break. The impressive Sherifatu Sumaila delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and although goalkeeper Merle Frohms got a hand to Okyere`s first-time effort, she couldn`t keep it out.
The Germans dominated possession after the restart, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities against the Ghanaians, who worked tirelessly. Sara Dabritz did test Agyei with one powerful 25-yard free-kick, but the Ghana `keeper was up to the challenge.
Ultimately, the Europeans lacked the invention necessary to break down their stubborn opponents, who held on to seize bronze.
Anouschka Bernhard, Germany coach: "First of all I want to congratulate Ghana. Of course we are very disappointed. We could not take advantage of the fact that we had an extra player. We were not able to create opportunities to score. Therefore we did not deserve to win this match."
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