After topping their group at the North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying competition, the United States beat Costa Rica 2-1 in the last four to reach the final and qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Germany 2010. They will be joined by Mexico, who beat Canada after extra-time in the later semi-final.

The defending world champion Americans didn’t have things all their own way against Costa Rica at the Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City. Kristie Mewis and Teresa Noyola were the scorers for the States as they move on to their fifth straight tilt at a U-20 world finals.

USA U-20 women's side in action in Guatemala (Photo courtesy of CONCACAF.com)

The day’s second semi-final saw Mexico edge Canada 1-0 after regular time ended in a goalless stalemate. The only goal of the game came directly from a Charlyn Corral corner-kick in the 104th minute and sees Mexico qualify for their third consecutive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

USA and Mexico - who will meet in the regional final on Sunday - will be joined by the winner of the third-place match – either Canada or Costa Rica - to comprise the trio of CONCACAF representatives for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany in July and August.

USA U-20 women's side in action in Guatemala USA U-20 women's side in action in Guatemala (photo courtesy of CONCACAF.com)

The representatives from Europe are already known with England, France, Sweden and Switzerland qualified from UEFA. Asia will be sending Japan and the two Koreas, while New Zealand will represent Oceania and Germany participate automatically as hosts. The regional qualifying competitions for Africa and South America will both take place in February and send two teams each to round out the final field of 16.

source:http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup