History repeated itself on Thursday, as the United States Under-17 team fell to a world power after reaching the knockout stages of the U-17 World Cup.
Germany, one of the favorites to win the title, thumped the young Americans 4-0 in Querétaro, Mexico, to advance to the quarterfinals. Steffen Freund’s side, which cruised undefeated through group play, will next face England, winners over Argentina in penalties.
The USA have now reached the knockout stages of five straight U-17 World Cup and have failed to advance to the next stage, losing to Italy (2009), Germany (2007), the Netherlands (2005) and Brazil (2003).
Several MLS-attached players were in Wilmer Cabrera’s US side, including FC Dallas defender Kellyn Acosta and San Jose goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. LA’s Jack McBean came on as a sub in the 57th minute.
The Americans actually saw more of the ball than Germany on Thursday, owning 52 percent of the possession. But the Germans attacked quickly and in waves whenever they moved forward, forcing McIntosh into 10 saves on the day.
However, there was nothing he could do in the 21st minute, when Levent Aycicek played in a sublime cross from the left side after a lightning-quick short corner. As the US pulled up on the offside trap, Korey Günther was left unmarked, and he glanced his header on goal. McIntosh got a hand to it but could not keep the ball out.
In the 40th minute, Germany doubled their lead. Samed Yasil broke through on the right side and cut a cross back to Mitchell Weiser, who calmly finished his shot.
Three minutes later, Yasil himself got on the scoresheet. A ball popped over the overwhelmed defense and bobbled around until Yesil toe-poked it past McIntosh to make it 3-0.
Five minutes after the break, Marvin Ducksch sealed the match. Left alone in the area, he spun and hit a shot that McIntosh could once again got a hand to but not keep out.
