Mexico, USA qualify for Jordan 2016 - FIFA U-17 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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| FIFA.com |
Mexico and USA became the first two countries from the North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) zone to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Jordan 2016 after winning their respective semi-final matches at the CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship.
El Tri beat Haiti 3-0 in the day's first semi-final in Grenada. Mexico needed just four minutes to get on the scoresheet when Dayana Cazares placed an accurate shot inside the near post.
Eight minutes later, Maricarmen Reyes scored the second of the afternoon with a powerful half volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Mexico made sure of their passage to Jordan and the final of the CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship in style when Monsterrat Hernandez scored a fine goal in the 75th minute with her left-footed curling effort from at least 25 yards out.
Mexico will be participating in their fourth FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
In the day's second semi-final, the United States secured their spot in Jordan after a dominant 5-0 win against Canada. The Stars and Stripes took a 2-0 half-time lead with goals scored by Alex Spaanstra in the 33rd minute and Jordan Canniff in first-half stoppage time.
Kanniff's goal gave the USA momentum going into the second half and Civana Kuhlmann made the lead insurmountable in the 54th minute. Sophia Smith and Frankie Tagliaferri scored goals in stoppage time to add an exclamation point to the victory for their side.
Canada and Haiti will now play in the match for third place on Sunday 13 March with the final CONCACAF ticket to Jordan 2016 at stake. Mexico and USA will play in the CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship final later that day.