USWNT squad falls to Korea DPR in semifinal of the 2024 U20 Women's World Cup

WHAT HAPPENED

The U.S. women's youth national team entered Wednesday's semifinal match against Korea DPR with high hopes. They were fresh off winning a penalty shootout against Germany in the tournament's quarterfinal.

The semifinal, proved to be a bit different. Korea DPR have been arguably the strongest throughout the tournament. The last time the U.S. team reached the World Cup semifinal was in 2016, when they also fell to reigning Asian champions, Korea DPR.

North Korea pulled ahead early, getting on the board in just the 22nd minute. Despite trailing the entire game, the U.S. had many chances, but North Korea was disciplined and able to minimize most of the attacking threats.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

North Korea are playing for their third Under-20 Women's World Cup trophy, while the U.S. team have an opportunity to take home a bronze medal from the tournament when they play in the third place match on Sept. 21 against either Japan or Netherlands.

The U.S. team won two very dramatic overtime matches in the knockout stage, leaving many viewers expecting a late goal or come back.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The focus is on the next match, which will be will give the U.S. team a chance at taking home some hardware.

The U.S. won bronze in 2004, and earned fourth place in both 2006 and 2016.