France

Japan had countless opportunities in the first half but France stopper Marion Romanelli was too good in clearing the attacks from the back.

France had their first chance in the 8th minute when striker Marie-Charlotte Legerin pulled off a powerful left footy but flew inches over the crossbar.

Japan replied,  pulling in counter attacks with quick set plays and through balls but France backliners cleared every loose ball from the back.

Japan is looking to make it an all Asian final after Korea DPR booked the first berth to the grand final, while the European champs are battling for the time to make their debut.

The fate of both teams lies in tonight's game infront of more than 5,000 spectators.

Picture by Troy Taule 

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They’re Asian duo Japan and Korea DPR, European team France and the United States.

The first match will see Korea DPR take on USA. The last time they met back in 2012, USA won 2-1 after extra time.

After over two weeks of competition, former winners USA and Korea DPR are determined to lift the trophy once again by making it to the grand final.

USA is hoping to be crowned champions for the fourth time while Korea DPR is determined to take the title for the second time around.

Chavas received the award for her outstanding performance during the victory over Germany 1-0 in the knockouts of the tournament.

In the match, Germany kicked three shots on target out of 12 attempts.

Chavas did extremely well to help her team qualify for the semifinal by saving the three on target attempts.

Chavas was speechless after the match but said she was proud to receive the award.

“I didn’t expect to be awarded the Player of the Match, I just did my job and I’m very happy.”

The reigning champions bowed out of the tournament after going down to France 1-0 in the last quarter final match.

Germany coach Maren Meinert said it was a challenging game she expected to see, although disappointing but she was proud of her players’ performance.

“Despite the loss my team played very well especially in the second half.

“But France scored a wonderful goal from a corner kick because of our weak backline.

“My girls are very upset for sure but one team has to lose and unfortunately it was Germany,” she said.

The last teams standing are Japan, Korea DPR, the United States and France.

Korea DPR was first to qualify after defeating Spain 3-2 in the first quarterfinal match.

Japan was the next to qualify, grabbing an easy win against Brazil 3-1 in the second quarterfinal.

USA defeated Mexico 2-1 in the third quarterfinal to secure their spot in the semifinal while reigning champions, Germany, lost their campaign to retain the Cup after a shocking loss to France 1-0 in the last quarterfinal match.

A stiff defence from France in the second half kept the favourites scoreless despite numerous attempts near France goalmouth.

France regrouped into defensive play with minimal attacks after seeing the need to defend their only point for victory.

French goalkeeper Mylene Chavas was too good for the German attackers, defending every ball her way and was named the Live Your Goal player of the match.

France now makes the final top four with Korea DPR, Japan and USA.

(Pictures by Troy Taule and Kennedy Bani)

Germany had several attempts in the opening minutes but failed to convert.

An opening shot from forward Jasmin Sehan hit the crossbar and went over.

Just then in the 16th minute, France swung in a corner kick that bounced off the head of a German player to find the boots of skipper Cascarino, just outside the 18 yards.

Cascarino powered a right footy through that got the crowd roaring for the unexpected goal.

German tried to make a comeback with several outside shots but couldn’t find the net as France leads 1-0 at half-time.

The two European teams will take the field at 7:30pm in what is expected to be a showdown at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

France will be hoping to make the top four once again like they did in the 2014 World Cup in Canada, while Germany is out to defend the Cup.

France coach Gilles Eyquem said earlier that the team is focused on a good defensive game as Germany is a very good team and usually, when they have an opportunity to score, they take it.