U-17 WC: Germany grab late winner against Costa Rica

Substitute Noah Awuku's late strike helped Germany to a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in their opening Group C encounter of the U-17 World Cup in Goa.

Germany took the lead in the 21st minute through Jann-Fiete Arp before Andrés Gómez equalized for Costa Rica in the 64th minute. Germany dominated possession and hit 23 shots (8 on target). Their sustained pressure in the second half paid off in the 89th minute when Awuku capitalized on a defensive error to slot home from close range.

The Germans took time to settle down but once they did, there was no looking back, as they came up with swift counter moves from the flanks and took the lead in the 21st minute after missing a couple of chances.

Nicolas Kuuehn was the livewire in the middle and split the rival defence with a through pass to striker Jann-Fiete Arp, who ran into the box and chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Ricardo Montengero.

The Germans continued to attack and Jan-Fiete Arp nearly scored his second goal two minutes before the break, but his attempt was blocked by rival defender Amferny Arias.

Minutes later, Dennis Jastrzembski's header off a cross from Elias Abouchebaka hit the left post. Like in the first half, Germany continued to attack in the second half with repeated forays. The Germans did the bulk of attacking but Costa Rica found the equaliser against the run of play.

A swift move from the left saw Josue Abarca send a low cross into the box for Andres Gomez, who, from the centre of the box, beat German goalkeeper Luca Plogmann with a stiff grounder.

Germany scored the winner just before the final whistle when Awuku found the net after a defender failed to receive a cross from the right.