RABAT, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- China bowed out of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on Sunday after surrendering a halftime lead to suffer a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Brazil.
The loss ended China's best-ever run at the tournament, while Brazil advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive edition.
Brazil created the early chances, but China goalkeeper Niu Ziqi kept the opposition at bay. Wu Yichen broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, racing down the left before firing across Brazil goalkeeper Nathy to give China a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Helena equalized within a minute of the restart following a scramble in the penalty area. China continued to threaten, with Nathy denying Wu, before Helena capitalized on a loose ball after a right-wing attack to score the winner late in the game.
Brazil will face Nigeria on Wednesday for a place in the final.
China had topped Group E with three wins from three, beating Kenya 3-0, Samoa 7-0 and the United States 3-2 while scoring 13 goals and conceding two.
The Chinese side then eliminated France 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the round of 16, with Niu saving two spot-kicks to secure China's first quarterfinal appearance.
China's previous best finish was a last-16 appearance in 2025, when Brazil also ended its run with a 3-0 victory.
In Sunday's other quarterfinals, Japan edged Ghana 1-0, DPR Korea beat the United States 3-0 and Nigeria overcame Venezuela 1-0. Japan will meet DPR Korea in the other semifinal.
