World Cup title motivated German women

• by Soccer America , Aug 25, 2014

[UNDER-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] Germany won its second world championship of the summer when it captured the Under-20 Women's World Cup with a 1-0 overtime win over Nigeria in Montreal. For the second game in a row, UCF's Lena Petermann scored the winning goal, leading Germany to its third U-20 title.

U-20 Women's World Cup Champions:
2002: USA
2004: Germany
2006: North Korea
2008: USA
2010: Germany
2012: USA
2014: Germany

The Germans looked for inspiration from the senior men's team that won the World Cup in Brazil. It also took overtime for Joachim Loew's men to prevail over Argentina, 1-0, in the final.

"The players and I spent the whole summer cheering on the men's team and their success definitely motivated us," said Coach Maren Meinert. "We didn't necessarily expect to follow them and be standing here as champions, but we're very proud -- and the quality of teams we've beaten along the way makes us especially proud."

Once again, keeper Meike Kamper was the star for Germany. The Duisburg keeper, who kept the Germans in the semifinals against France, was named player of the match in the final. The German defense managed to shut down Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala, winner of the adidas Golden Ball as the best player and Golden Shoe as the leading scorer with seven goals.

Germany had also won in 2004 and 2010. Meinert was also the coach in 2010 and 2012 when Germany lost to the USA, 1-0, in the final. Germany is now tied with the USA with three under-20 world titles.