But against the US at Santiago, Nigeria looked lethargic and rarely threatened their opponents. Topscorer Moshood Shakirat then compounded matters for the Flamingos after her tackle on Jocelyn Travers was adjudged as a penalty following a lengthy video review.
The journey of our sisters, the Flamingos, in the Dominican Republic may have ended, but we trust they will gain valuable lessons and return stronger for the tasks ahead in Morocco next year
US’ Kennedy Fuller wasted no time in tucking the spot kick away just two minutes before half-time to hand the Americans the lead.
In the second half, Nigeria did little to restore the parity and expectedly gave away another goal.
As the game wore on with few chances from either side, it was Kimmi Ascanio who finished off a slick counter-attack from the US in the 74th minute to seal the semi-final ticket for the Americans.
The semi-final berth is the US’ first since their appearance in that stage of the competition in the inaugural edition of the tournament held in 2008 since the inaugural edition in 2008.
