The U.S. won the women's under-20 World Cup for the third time Saturday after Kealia Ohai scored late in the first half to secure a 1-0 win over defending champion Germany in the final.
Crystal Dunn beat a German defender in the area and squared a pass to Ohai, who sent a right-foot shot over goalkeeper Laura Benkarth in the 44th minute.
"I saw Crystal making a run and every time she does that you know she is going to get something in the box," Ohai said. "I sprinted as fast as I could and she got the ball to me and I just squared it."
Ohai's goal was the first given up by Germany in the tournament. The two teams met in the group stage, with Germany winning 3-0.
"It was a great performance by our team," U.S. coach Steve Swanson said.
"We had some adversity in the group stage but the players learned from that."
Germany pressed forward for an equalizer after the break but the Americans defended staunchly to protect the lead. Leonie Maier rattled the crossbar from distance in the 72nd and came close again with a long-range shot in the final minute, but U.S. goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin made a good save.
"Our defence got better and better as the tournament went on," Swanson said. "That was a key to our winning tonight."
Germany scored 15 goals in the group stage, but just couldn't find a way to break through in the final.
"Playing the United States is always tough," Germany coach Maren Meinert said
The U.S. also won this tournament in 2002 and 2008. Germany won in 2004 and 2010.
Earlier Saturday, Japan beat Nigeria 2-1 to take third place. -AP
