The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team fought valiantly in Tuesday’s Round of 16 showdown with Germany but fell just short in its quest of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals.
Gonzalo Segares’ squad suffered elimination from the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Tuesday after falling 3-2 to Germany. Taha Habroune and David Vazquez both scored for the Americans, but Germany sealed its advancement with an 84th minute winning goal.
Charles Herrmann’s free-kick in the 14th minute nestled into the top-right corner, giving Germany an early 1-0 advantage.
Taha Habroune’s right-footed strike nestled into the bottom-left corner just nine minutes later, making it 1-1 between the two sides. It was Habroune’s first goal of the tournament as the MLS NEXT Pro midfielder finished off a counter attack in the box.
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Max Moerstedt propelled Germany back in front 2-1 in the 34th minute, finishing off Herrmann’s assist. The Germans continued to own the first-half opportunities and made sure to make them count to hold a halftime lead.
The USMNT U-17’s eventually tied things up 2-2 in the 80th minute through David Vazquez’s free kick. Vazquez, a Philadelphia Union academy player, entered the match in the 60th minute and needed only 20 minutes to make an impact.
His low cross from the right wing found its way through the wall of players in the box, curving into the bottom-left corner.
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However, Germany would claim its third lead of the match not long after, one that wouldn’t be relinquished. Bilal Yalcinkaya’s left-footed shot from a tight angle gave Germany a 3-2 lead and put the Americans under urgent pressure to find a third equalizing goal.
Matthew Corcoran’s long-range shot came close to finding the back of the net, but Max Schmitt denied the midfielder from forcing extra time.
Germany hung on to seal its quarterfinal berth, ending the Americans run in the competition.