Latest news: FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup semi-finals vs Spain

Watch live as New Zealand faces Spain in the semi-finals of the U-17 Women's World Cup.

The New Zealand Under-17 Women's Team shocked the world of football by beating Japan on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup . This is the first time that a team from this country qualifies for the four finals of a FIFA event.

Earlier becoming the first New Zealand team to qualify for the quarterfinals of a world cup and beating many other records, coach Leon Birnie and his team were already in an unfamiliar zone while ################################################################################ 39, they came into play at the Estadio. Alberto Suppici in Uruguay this morning (NZT).

But they were not in the mood to put an end to their historical exploits. Rather, they continued the fairy tale by beating the coveted Japan, tied 1-1, and finishing the job with a spectacular 4-3 win in subsequent penalty kicks.

The goalkeeper and vice captain, Anna Leat, was the heroine. She achieved a nice time saving by keeping the same level of point, before staying away from the first kick of Japan. She then went on to get the winning penalty and get one of the most memorable results in the history of New Zealand football.

"What a performance, these girls came here and game after game, they have every chance to succeed," Birnie said.

"We had never left the group before and we created the story by doing that, so today is a special occasion – no New Zealand team has to do it. has never reached a semifinal and now we have done it.I am so proud of girls and it was an amazing performance, "he added.

"Thanks to Japan, it's a quality club, so we've been so good at competing with them, and for the last 30 minutes, just to stay in the game." And it was just courage and determination. " I do not want to concede. Then to finish like this and get through was incredible. "

New Zealand started in the match as an underdog against a Japanese team with a proud record in this tournament and having to be defeated in the quarterfinals.

But the Kiwis seemed to surprise their opponents in the early stages with the quality of their game as they began laying the groundwork for what was to become a major disaster. Japan tried to control the ball and apply its usual possession-based style, but was clearly disrupted by New Zealand's willingness to move things forward as Birnie's players carried the match to their home team. accomplished rivals.

New Zealand experienced particularly strong pressure after about 10 minutes. Captain Aneka Mittendorff launched a series of shots before Kelli Brown found the goalkeeper with a long-range shot from a tricky angle.

Japan took full advantage of this period, but soon found itself lagging behind, as New Zealand's hard work on the training ground paid off. In a well-worked routine where they had clearly spent hours perfecting, captain Aneka Mittendorff crossed a tight corner of Macey Fraser, allowing Amelia Abott to come home with a perfect shot in 17 minutes.

With the prospect of an unprecedented semifinal spot on the charts, New Zealand was in the land of dreams and the situation further improved in the 25th minute. Maggie Jenkins jumped the ball on a loose ball into Japan's surface and fired a shot that cut off the top of the crossbar.

But they were brought back to earth unhappily just after half an hour. Leat made a big stop before Hannah Mackay-Wright failed to block the follow-up, but then stumbled and inadvertently forced the ball into her own net.

Japan took advantage of most of the ball in the second half, but both teams found hard-to-find opportunities. Only Macey Fraser, Gabi Rennie and Kelli Brown have no hope of scoring and half their chances for New Zealand.

They were forced to defend themselves during most of the last stages while Japan was desperate for a winner. With the majority of the starting lineup having been rested for their last group match, New Zealand's legs were quite cool at penalties.

Leat gave New Zealand the advantage with an exceptional backup to his right, before Maya Hahn, Grace Wisnewski and Brown all managed with shots on goal. Japan had misplaced another of its attempts, so Jayda Stewart was lucky enough to win for New Zealand, but managed his effort over the bar.

That was not to be expensive, however, because Leat took responsibility for the final sanction and was cool-headed far beyond his years of tenderness to easily convert and create a story for his country.

New Zealand will now face Spain in the semifinals.