Nigeria came back to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, winning Group C and advancing to the quarterfinals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup. South Korea defeated Mexico by the same score to advance as group runner-up.
As Group C winner, Nigeria will face Group D runner-up New Zealand on Sunday in the quarterfinals. South Korea will play Group D winner France, which has steamrolled through the tournament thus far.
[MORE: France, New Zealand advance out of Group D]
In Edmonton, Nikita Parris put England ahead in just the 5th minute with a left-footed, 1-v-1 finish.
But Loveth Ayila got one back for Nigeria just before halftime, thanks in part to the mistake of England goalkeeper Elizabeth Durack. England had a golden chance to regain the lead in the 53rd minute when Bethany Mead stepped to the spot, but she blasted her penalty kick over the bar.
Just six minutes after that, Asisat Ohoala drew a penalty of her own for Nigeria, and she stepped up to finish it, sending Nigeria through and sending England home. [MATCH HIGHLIGHTS]
Elsewhere, in Toronto, South Korea held off Mexico to get through to the second stage of the tournament. Lee Geummin scored two minutes before halftime for South Korea, and Lee Sodam doubled that lead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.
Tanya Samarzich got one back for Mexico in the 74th minute on a screaming 15-yard volley, but it wasn’t enough to keep Mexico in the tournament. [MATCH HIGHLIGHTS]
