| Keyword |
Description |
| Semifinals |
The game that decides which two teams go to the final match |
| Penalty |
A special kick given after a foul or at the end of a tied game to break the tie |
| Goalkeeper |
The player who tries to stop the ball from going into the goal |
Mexico’s Under-17 girls’ soccer team is doing something amazing! In Morocco, they played a tough game against Italy. After tying with no goals, the teams had a penalty shootout. Mexico scored all their penalties, and their goalie, Valentina Murrieta, stopped an important shot. Because of this, Mexico’s team gets to play in the semifinals against the Netherlands. The team has worked very hard together and believes in supporting each other, just like Valentina trusted her teammates to do their best.
This is not the first time Mexico has reached the semifinals—they did it in 2018, too. In the group stage, Mexico already beat the Netherlands once. These girls show that when people help one another and never give up, great things can happen. Their story inspires others to keep working hard and to always believe in themselves and their friends.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Semifinals |
Semifinales |
| To inspire |
Inspirar |
| Group |
Grupo |
Time to discuss
- What does a goalkeeper do in soccer?
- Why is teamwork important for winning?
- How do you feel when your team wins or loses?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Imagine you are playing in a big soccer game. How do you feel?
- Write about a time you helped your friends or they helped you.
