Trinidad and Tobago 2010: Korea Republic's Historic U-17 Women's

The second edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup™ took place in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010, a Caribbean nation that had previously hosted the men's tournament in 2001. That earlier event saw France, inspired by Florent Sinama Pongolle, lift the trophy, while future stars such as Carlos Tevez, Andres Iniesta, and Fernando Torres honed their skills in the Land of the Hummingbird.

Korea DPR arrived as defending champions after defeating the USA in the inaugural final, and Asia's dominance looked set to continue as Korea DPR, Korea Republic, and Japan all reached the semi-finals. They were joined by Spain, the reigning European champions, who boasted a young Alexia Putellas in their ranks—a player who would later become a two-time The Best FIFA Women's Player and a FIFA Women's World Cup™ winner.

A Semi-Final to Remember

Putellas dazzled throughout the tournament but could not prevent Spain's 2-1 semi-final defeat to Korea Republic. In the other semi-final, Japan ousted the defending champions Korea DPR in Couva, setting up an all-Asian final and ensuring the continent's continued dominance. This final marked the beginning of a memorable decade for Asian football.

A Final for the Ages

The final, played at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, was a spectacle aided by the adidas Jabulani ball. More than 10,000 spectators witnessed a six-goal thriller, still the highest-scoring final in the tournament's history. Lee Jeungeun opened the scoring for Korea Republic with a ferocious drive from outside the area, but Japan responded quickly. By the 17th minute, Hikaru Naomoto had levelled, and Yoko Tanaka rifled home a swerving 35-yard drive to give Japan the lead. On the stroke of half-time, Kim Areum thundered a free-kick into the top-left corner to restore parity.

Chika Kato bundled the ball home from inside the six-yard box just before the hour mark to put Japan ahead again, but Lee Sodam's rasping first-time half-volley in the 79th minute, which kissed the crossbar on its way in, made it 3-3. Thirty goalless minutes of extra time forced a penalty shootout, where Tomoko Muramatsu struck the crossbar in sudden death, allowing Jang Selgi to send the winning penalty into the roof of the net and secure Korea Republic's first title.

Yeo Minji's Record-Breaking Performance

Korea Republic's victory was powered by forward Yeo Minji, who netted a joint-record eight goals, earning both the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and the adidas Golden Boot. Her finest performance came in the quarter-finals, where she scored four goals in a thrilling 6-5 victory over Nigeria.

"I was aware as a centre-forward, my tasks were to score as many goals as possible," Minji told FIFA. "I kept thinking about it and went to the U-17 World Cup with that dream. Also, a friend of mine promised to treat me to a good meal if I scored eight goals, so I realised that promise!"

Legacy and Future Stars

Many players from that final have enjoyed storied international careers. Jang Selgi, who scored the decisive penalty, has earned more than 100 senior caps, while Yeo Minji, Lee Sodam, and Lee Geummin have shone domestically and internationally. Japan still relies on Mina Tanaka and Hikaru Naomoto in today's national team.

Perhaps the brightest star to emerge from the 2010 U-17 finals was Alexia Putellas, who went on to win more than 100 senior caps and numerous trophies. She was joined in the Spain squad by Ivana Andres, and the pair became the only graduates from the 2010 tournament to win the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.