Coach Leon Birnie celebrates with the team after their win over Japan. Photo: GettyThe New Zealand U-17 women's team has shocked the footballing world by defeating Japan on penalties to make the World Cup semi-finals. "What a performance - these girls have come over here and game after game just defied the odds," Birnie said. Then today is a special occasion - no New Zealand team has ever reached a semi-final and now we've done it. New Zealand will now take on Spain in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on Thursday morning from 8am.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 25, 2018 00:33 UTC