Spain's under-19 women's national team stunned Germany, 2-1, Sunday in the final of the UEFA U-19 Women's Championship in Vantaa, Finland, and was placed in the United States' first-round group for the FIFA World Championship in November.
Iraia's curling free kick in the 53rd minute broke a 1-1 tie as Spain avenged a 7-0 loss in group play against the overwhelmingly favored Germans.
Jade scored from an Iraia pass in the 29th minute, but Germany tied the score on Annike Krahn's goal in first-half stoppage time.
Germany had outscored its previous four opponents, 23-0, and appeared unbeatable in the competition. The Germans, as runners-up, were placed in Group A — with host Thailand, Canada and Australia — for the Nov. 10-27 FIFA tournament.
Spain joins Group C, with the United States, South Korea and Italy.
One berth remains open, and the winner of the Nigeria-South Africa series will be placed in Group B with China, Brazil and Russia. Nigeria won the first leg, 1-0, and will be home for the second leg in mid-September.
German star Anja Mittag — who was American defenders Nancy and Julie Augustyniak's roommate last spring at FFC Turbine Potsdam — won the Golden Boot with six goals. Krahn and teammate Simone Laudehr tied for second with four goals.
Two U.S. college recruits also took part in the event. Swiss playmaker Lara Dickenmann, bound for Ohio State, played 270 minutes and scored one goal as Switzerland went 1-2-0 in Group A play. Dickenmann, rated college soccer's second-best recruit by Soccer America, was chosen game MVP in a 3-1 loss to Spain and 2-1 victory over Finland.
Forward Jannica Tjeder, who will play at Notre Dame, started all three matches for Finland (0-3-0) in Group A.
FIFA U-19 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Groupings
GROUP A
Thailand
Canada
Australia
Germany
GROUP B
China
Brazil
Nigeria or South Africa
Russia
GROUP C
United States
South Korea
Spain
Italy