USA exits U-20 World Cup on penalties as tournament’s timing draws criticism

The United States were eliminated from the U-20 Women’s World Cup in the last 16 on Wednesday, falling to Brazil on penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Brazil goalkeeper Thaís Lima made a crucial save on Emeri Adames’s attempt to begin the shootout, opening the eventual 5-4 finish in Katowice, Poland.

USA exits U-20 World Cup on penalties as tournament’s timing draws criticism

TL;DR

  • The US U-20 Women's team lost to Brazil on penalties in the last 16 of the World Cup.
  • This continues a pattern of US youth national teams failing to win knockout games in recent World Cups.
  • The tournament's scheduling outside of a FIFA window has caused clubs to withhold players, drawing criticism.
  • Brazil advanced to their third straight U-20 Women's World Cup quarter-final.
  • Notable US players like Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton were absent from the squad due to club commitments.