Montevideo, Nov 26 (IANS): The Mexican U-17 women's team defeated Ghana 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, advancing to the World Cup semifinals, together with Canada, Spain and New Zealand.

Thanks to a brace by Nicole Perez and the saves of goalkeeper Jaidy Gutierrez, who stopped two shots in the penalty shootout on Sunday, the Mexicans reached the classification and will play the next match against the Canadians, who on Sunday eliminated Germany 1-0, reports Efe news.

For the first time in their history, the Mexicans entered the group of the four best teams.

After the 2-2 draw, the game was decided on penalties where Ghana, the only team that won all their matches during the first phase, met with an inspired afternoon of the Mexican captain Nicole Perez.

In another match, Canada beat Germany 1-0 thanks to a goal from forward Jordyn Huitema in the 83rd minute.

With Sunday's score, Huitema scored three goals in the tournament after making the first one in the group stage with Colombia and the second one against South Korea, both matches Canada won.

Mexico and Canada will face each other on Nov. 28 at the Charrua stadium in Montevideo, where one will get a ticket to the grand final.