FIFA U-20 World Cup: Official Thread

[Golden_Boy™]

SPAIN 2-0 NIGERIA

Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida scored both goals in Spain's 2-0 win over ten-man Nigeria in Group B to maintain La Roja's 100 per cent record in the competition.

The Flying Eagles made a lively start and could have taken the lead when Odion Ighalo mis-hit the ball with just the goalkeeper to beat from five yards. King Osanga also fire in a right-footed shot from 25 yards that forced Sergio Asenjo into a scampering low save.

However, as the game wore on, Spain began to move into the ascendancy. Emilio Nsue chested the ball into the path of Merida, who hit a left-footed volley which flew just over the bar. Uche Okafor then turned away a shot from Nsue, but in the 33rd minute the Europeans' pressure paid off.

Playing the offside trap, Nigeria failed to catch a late, well-timed run from deep from Merida, leaving the Arsenal man in acres of space, before he produced an extremely composed finish to lob the ball over the onrushing Okafor. Merida also had a great chance to double his team's advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw a low shot brilliantly saved by the Nigerian keeper.

Neutrals were left to assume that Siasia had a few harsh words to say to his players at half-time and that his opposing coach Luis Milla ordered his players to protect their lead, given the balance of play in the second half. Spain sat back deep, inviting a lot of pressure from Nigeria, which almost cost them their lead.

Half-time substitute Omatsone Aluko forced a brilliant save out of Asenjo and in the 67th minute, Daniel Adejo headed the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled out for an infringement in the box before the corner was taken. Rabiu Ibrahim and Gbolahan Salami were both wayward in their finishing when well placed and, completely against the run of play, Spain added a second.

Ibrahim was adjudged to have tripped Ander Herrera in the box during a rare Spanish attack and Merida chipped home the resulting penalty in the 83rd minute. Just 60 seconds later, Salami was red carded for striking out at the double scorer to cap a truly miserable afternoon for the Africans.

The result leaves Spain battling it out for Venezuela for top spot in the group, with qualification likely to be secured by the end of the day unless Tahiti can spring a surprise against the Venezuelans. Nigeria, meanwhile, must look for a big win over Tahiti and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to remain in the tournament.

[Golden_Boy™]

ITALY 2-1 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Italy boosted their hopes of a place in the last 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago in Cairo International Stadium. Michelangelo Arbertazzi and Silvano Raggio scored the vital goals as the valiant Soca Warriors succumbed to a defeat that leaves their Egypt 2009 ambtions hanging by a thread.

The Italians were on top for the bulk of the first half and, with 16 minutes played, it took a heroic goal-line clearance from Jake Thomson to deny them an opener. Andrea Mazzarani was already wheeling away in celebration in anticipation of his superbly struck volley hitting the net when Thomson leapt up on the line to head the ball clear.

Playmaker Mazzarani has emerged as arguably the Italians' most influential player in Egypt and, 12 minutes later, he went close again with an audacious effort from a 35-yard free-kick that had the T&T keeper - who was expecting a cross - scrambling back to tip over.

Yet although the Europeans had the edge, the Caribbean hopefuls weren't without their moments at the other end, and Robert Primus thought he had opened the scoring midway through the first half only to have his celebrations curtailed by the assistant referee's flag. Thing were about to get worse for T&T too because, with six minutes of the first half remaining, they fell behind, Michelangelo Arbertazzi stealing in unmarked on Mazzarani's corner and directing a downward header past the helpless Glenroy Samuel.

Zoran Vranes' side refused to buckle, however, and came agonisingly close to equalising six minutes into the second half when Jamael Gay fired in a shot that had the keeper beaten but rebounded back off the underside of the crossbar. Nevertheless, their perseverance was rewarded 11 minutes later when Matteo Gentile's disastrous attempted clearance sent the ball straight to the feet of Juma Clarence. Hardly able to believe his luck, the T&T forward took full advantage, side-stepping the hapless Gentile before rifling a low right-foot shot into the net from 14 yards.

It looked like we had a upset on our hands at this stage, but Gli Azzurrini refused to accept their fate and duly snatched the points with 12 minutes remaining. Mattia Mustacchio was the goal's architect with a superb run and cross, and Silvano Raggio obliged with a finish of the highest quality, unleashing a terrific left-foot shot to send the ball flashing into the net from the edge of the box.

[Golden_Boy™]

EGYPT 1-2 PARAGUAY

With virtually the last kick of the game, Aldo Paniagua sealed a dramatic 2-1 win for ten-man Paraguay over hosts Egypt to go joint-top of Group A.

The substitute's perfectly executed close-range volley after Cesar Benitez had headed the ball across the six-yard box completely stunned the Egyptians, who thought that they had done enough to earn a share of the spoils.

Buoyed by a passionate crowd, Miroslav Soukup's side started positively and served notice of their attacking intentions three times in the opening ten minutes. Mohamed Talaat fired wide under pressure from Francisco Silva, Hussam Arafat headed over when well placed from Afroto's free-kick and Ahmed Madgy also fired wide.

There were nervous moments in the Paraguay defence when Joel Silva spilled Islam Ramadan's powerful shot, but he gathered the ball bravely at the feet of Talaat before the striker had a chance to ram the ball home. Silva also failed to claim a swerving shot from Shehab Ahmed at the first attempt but fortunately for the South Americans, Hussam Arafat's subsequent effort was well off target.

As the half wore on, Paraguay moved into the ascendancy and hit the post in the 25th minute when Gustavo Cristaldo's curling free kick found its way through the wall. Two minutes later, they took the lead when the hosts were caught on the break by a fine solo run from Robin Ramirez, who fed Santander to score his side's first goal of the tournament.

The game changed direction nine minutes before the break when ex-Liverpool reserve Ronald Huth was shown a straight red card for hauling down Talaat, who was clean through. From the resulting free-kick, Afroto curled the ball into the net to add insult to Paraguay's injury.

Adrian Coria's side were forced to make a change at the interval with Silva, the team's captain and goalkeeper, replaced by Gerardo Ortiz after the former had suffered a head injury just before half-time. Yet despite the energy and effort of both sides and Paraguay's numerical disadvantage, the second half lacked any real goalmouth action until the very end. Santander tried a cheeky chip and Afroto clipped the outside of the post, but that was it - until Paniagua had the last word.

Now the hosts meet Italy in a repeat of their meeting at this year's FIFA Confederations Cup, while Paraguay face Trinidad and Tobago, who are without a point from their opening two matches. Egypt now must hope for a result against the Italians, or else face the possibility of exiting the competition at the opening stage.

[Golden_Boy™]

SOUTH KOREA 1-1 GERMANY

Korea Republic kept their Egypt 2009 hopes alive by coming from behind to claim a thoroughly deserved 1-1 draw with Germany in Suez. The European champions remain on top of Group C, for now at least, but all that could change if Cameroon see off USA in the section's later kick-off.

The South Koreans knew that a win would breathe fresh life into their faltering campaign and started positively, monopolising possession and pinning the Germans back in their own half. They very nearly claimed an early lead too, with Park Hee-Seong beating Ron-Robert Zieler with a powerful header only to look on in agony as the ball bounced off the top of the crossbar and over.

It took 25 minutes for Germany to threaten at the other end, when Richard Sukuta-Pasu slid in at the back post and only just missed out as the ball flashed across the face of goal. The big No9 is making quite an impression in Egypt and eight minutes later he gave Germany the lead. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, the Bayer Leverkusen striker showed some nifty footwork to shuffle away from from Kim Young-Gwon before drilling a low left-foot shot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

The European champions finished the first half on top but found themselves on the back foot once again following the restart. Indeed, Korea Republic should have been level inside seven minutes, when the unmarked Park fired straight at Zieler from 14 yards when a shot to either side of the keeper would surely have yielded a goal.

Undeterred, the Taeguk Warriors continued to press forward as the match wore on and finally got their reward with 19 minutes remaining. Min Woo-Kim somehow wriggled his way through the German rearguard, profiting from some calamitous defending along the way, before wrong-footing the keeper with a low left-foot shot.

[Golden_Boy™]

UNITED STATES 4-1 CAMEROON

USA fired their way back into contention for a place in the last 16 with a spirited 4-1 win over Cameroon in Suez. Goals either side of half-time from Bryan Arguez and Tony Taylor set the Americans on the road to a victory that was secured by a goal of the tournament contender from Dilly Duka and a late breakaway from Brian Ownby.

This was a game that only came to life in the second half after an opening period that offered plenty of commitment but few chances and precious little quality. Taylor missed arguably the best of those rare opportunities on 33 minutes, volleying over from 12 yards after the ball had fallen loose inside the area.

However, in first half injury time, the little forward more than made amends, unselfishly teeing up Arguez, who stabbed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. That gave the US a vital half-time lead and it was an advantage they doubled within three minutes of the re-start. This time Taylor was the man to profit from some selfless set-up play, tapping home from all of five yards after Duka had raced through, drawn the keeper and slipped the ball across.

USA were visibly growing in confidence at this stage and Brek Shea could have made the points safe on the hour-mark with a 20-yard drive that was kept out by some alert goalkeeping from Francois Beyekol. However, the Cameroon goalkeeper was left helpless eight minutes later when the Americans moved out of sight with a goal of genuine quality.

Like everyone in the stadium, Beyekol was preparing for a cross when Duka looked up from the left touchline, but instead the US No10 ignored his team-mates to weight a brilliantly executed chip just inside the far post. It wasn't all plain sailing for USA after that. Taylor was stretchered off and, with 15 minutes remaining, Banana Yaya slotted home a penalty to spark a nervy finale.

However, the writing was already on the wall by the time Ownby raced clear to fire home a fourth US goal in injury time, angling a low drive beyond Beyekol's outstretched grasp. The result keeps Germany top of Group C and leaves all four sides in with a chance of claiming a top two spot ahead of the final round of matches.

[Golden_Boy™]

URUGUAY 3-0 UZBEKISTAN

Uruguay strolled to a 3-0 win over an Uzbekistan side forced to play the majority of the match with ten men, in a match which saw the South Americans hit the woodwork on no fewer than six occasions.

Indeed, when the whistle blew for half-time, it was incredible that the score was only 1-0, as Diego Aguirre's side hit the woodwork on no fewer than three occasions. Santiago Garcia clipped the outside of the upright after his outstretched boot made contact with the ball from an acute angle. Shortly after that, Mauricio Pereya clipped the top of the bar with a dipping long-range effort. Leandro Cabrera also saw his shot kept out by a lick of paint and Gaston Ramirez also hit the inside of the post with a low drive which fizzed across the face of goal.

Uruguay laid siege to the central Asian's goal. Adrian Gunino went close, as did Garcia on a few occasions, but they were denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Sanjar Kuvvatov. In fact, it took something incredibly special to break the deadlock. Receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, Lodeiro looked up and hit a first time left-footed shot which sailed past the goalkeeper and into the net. A minute later, things became even worse for Uzbekistan when Gulom Urunov was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Diego Rodriguez.

In fact, during the 90 minutes, Uzbekistan were limited to just two chances; a low shot from Sanat Shikov, which Martin Rodriguez turned around the post and a Darvron Mirzaev chance which the Wanderers keeper did well to keep out with his legs. At the other end, Sebastian Coates hit the bar with a header from a Jonathan Urretaviscaya corner.

Shortly after the hour mark, Aguirre sent on Tabare Viudez, Uruguay's matchwinner from the 1-0 win over England to replace Lodeiro, La Celeste's captain and goalscorer. His impact was almost instant. Receiving the ball on the right wing, he ran with pace at the Uzbek defence and crossed for Urretaviscaya to turn the ball home, which was a reversal of the combination that proved so deadly against the Three Lions.

Viudez was at the heart of the heart of things again when he slipped the ball to Garcia inside the area and he was brought down by Kuvvatov, who was booked for his actions. The striker picked himself up to take the penalty, but hit the post for the second time in the match. However, the Nacional striker finally got his goal seven minutes from time when he reacted sharply to Coates's flick on to steer the ball home.

[Golden_Boy™]

GHANA 4-0 ENGLAND

Andre Ayew's fantastic goal was the highlight for Ghana in a 4-0 victory over England which qualified them for the next stage and England staring an early exit firmly in the face.

The Three Lions were dealt a major blow on the eve of the game as a stomach virus had affected four members of the squad. First choice goalkeeper Jason Steele, left-back Matthew Briggs, holding midfielder Adam Clayton and Chelsea youngster Michael Woods were all forced to watch the game from the team hotel.

Yet despite these handicaps, England dominated the early exchanges, as Ghana struggled to get out of their half. As early as the ninth minute, they had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead when Kieran Trippier's perfectly delivered free-kick was flicked on by Ben Mee to Jonathan Obika who rose above the Black Satellites defence, but saw his header rebound off the crossbar.

Sellas Tetteh was blessed with the luxury of keeping the same team that defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 and they swiftly got into their stride. Samuel Inkoom put in a great cross into the box which Adiyiah met with a header and Elliott Parish was less than convincing in gathering the ball. The left hand side of England's defence seem to have been targeted by the Africans and that particular channel was the source of their best moves.

There were warning signs when Mohammed Rabiu glanced a header wide from Ayew's free-kick and the captain embarked on a fine solo run, leaving Nana Ofori-Twumasi in his wake before firing into the side netting. By this stage, Ghana were dominating physically and territorially and with England camped in their own half, central defender Martin Kelly was proving to be a real rock.

However, the Liverpool defender was powerless to deny Adiyiah from scoring in the 38th minute. Once again, Inkoom played a fine cross into the box and the striker took a tremendous first touch which allowed him to turn sharply on his heels and power the ball into the net. It could have been two just before half-time, but Parish made a great save to frustrate Ransford Osei.

Like the first half, England started brightly and were unlucky not to equalise when Josh Walker's well-taken corner was met by Kelly on the volley, but the ball flew over. Just when it seemed as though England would create the pressure needed to produce the equaliser, Ghana doubled their advantage through a moment of magic from skipper Ayew.

The Marseille midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box and hit a rising left foot shot past three England defenders and into the top corner of the net. While Ayew was hoisted aloft by his team-mates, Brian Eastick's gameplan had been ruined for the second time in as many games by a stunning goal.

Yet to their credit, both teams decided to push for goals; Ghana attempting to top the group on goals scored prior to their final group game with Uruguay, while England were hoping to claw their way back into the game and keep their hopes of a place in the last 16 alive. Once again, it was that man Ayew who came close to having a final say, with his outrageous back heeled volley going over the bar.

With nine minutes to go, England suffered another slice of bad luck when Ransford Osei's goalbound shot took a wicked deflection of Mee to leave Parish wrong-footed. Ghana poured further salt on England's wounds by making it 4-0 in the 88th minute through Adiyiah, which gave the Black Satellites their biggest win in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and also handing England their heaviest defeat in the competition.

While Ghana qualified for the last 16 with the win, they must now avoid defeat Uruguay to finish top of Group F and avoid a clash against the winners of Group E in the Round of 16. England, meanwhile must do something they have not done in their past eight matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, namely score a goal and defeat Uzbekistan, probably by a considerable margin if they are to avoid elimination.

[Golden_Boy™]

AUSTRALIA 0-3 COSTA RICA

Costa Rica bounced back from their 5-0 defeat to Brazil with a spirited and well deserved 3-0 win over ten-man Australia in Port Said. While reviving Tico hopes of a place in the last 16, the result all but dooms the Young Socceroos to an early exit after two successive Group E losses.

With both sides insisting pre-match that this was a must-win game, it was understandable that nerves and tension played their part in what was, in truth, a dull and uninspiring encounter. Costa Rica created the best of what few chances there were, with Diego Estrada twisting into a shooting position after 13 minutes only to lean back and blaze over.

Poor finishing had been the Central Americans' undoing against Brazil and there were indications that the same problem might cause their downfall again when Estrada again wasted some fine approach play by tugging a left-foot shot wide.

Then, out of nothing, Costa Rica finally found the way to goal. And what a goal it was. Danger had appeared minimal when Diego Madrigal took in a short free-kick with his back to goal, but in one lithe movement, the Tico No11 spun his marker and unleashed an unstoppable right-foot shot that flew in off the inside of the post from 20 yards.

Australia could have no complaints, and they had Dean Bouzanis to thank for keeping the half-time score at 1-0 after the Liverpool keeper stuck out a foot to deny the speedy Josue Martinez. At the other end, the Young Socceroos were once again proving toothless in attack, and their cause wasn't helped when substitute Tahj Minniecon was sent off within five minutes of entering the fray following a petulant off-the-ball incident.

The situation called for that famous Aussie fighting spirit, but aside from a Mitch Nicholls' free-kick that flashed narrowly wide and a tame James Holland header, there were precious few nervy moments for Los Ticos as they held on comfortably against the ten men.

Sadly, it took an own goal to put the outcome beyond doubt with eight minutes remaining, when the unfortunate Luke Devere attempting to head the ball back Bouzanis and instead sent the ball looping into the unguarded net. And there was even time for salt to be added to Aussie wounds when David Guzman added a well-taken third in injury time, curling the ball beyond the helpless Bouzanis from just inside the box.

[Golden_Boy™]

BRAZIL 0-0 CZECH REPUBLIC

Brazil and Czech Republic are through to the last 16 at Egypt 2009 after the 2007 finalists successfully subdued their South American rivals in a drab 0-0 draw in Port Said. The stalemate might have disappointed the 17,000 fans who had turned up expecting another Seleção goalfest, but there was much to admire in the defensive masterclass delivered by Jakub Dovalil's resolute Czechs.

The surprises had begun with the line-ups, as Dovalil caught everyone off guard by making five changes to the team that had beaten Australia 2-1 in their previous match. Arguably his biggest decision was in dropping Michael Rabusic, scorer of their opening goal against the Aussies, to hand Tomas Pekhart his first start in three months in the physically demanding role of lone striker. Sadly, it was a gamble which backfired badly.

Pekhart, one of the stars of the last FIFA U-20 World Cup, was forced from the field inside 25 minutes with what appeared to be a recurrence of the metatarsal injury that had kept him out since July. Yet although this particular selection choice came back to haunt Dovalil, the match as a whole could only be described as a tactical triumph for the Czech coach.

It might not have been pretty, but his defensive gameplan ensured that a Brazil team that had put five goals past Costa Rica did not manage a single effort on target throughout the entire first half. It spoke volumes that the South Americans' best effort during this period was a wayward 20-yard shot from Souza that sailed high and wide of Tomas Vaclik's goal.

The Czechs were offering even less at the other end, but with a draw evidently their objective, the onus was on Rogerio Lourenco's side to push forward in search of a deadlock-breaking goal. After the break, they did so with gusto, coming close in 58 minutes when Giuliano slalomed his way past three Czech challenges before firing a ferocious right-foot shot just over the crossbar.

A couple of minutes later, they came closer still, when Alex Texeira rattled the face of the crossbar with anmeasured side-foot volley from the left-hand edge of the area. As the half wore on, Rogerio went for broke by playing his wild card, Douglas Costa, but it was to no avail as the Czechs held out comfortably for a share of the spoils.

The result leaves Group E's joint-leaders locked on four points ahead of the final matchday, with Costa Rica a point behind in third and Australia anchored to the bottom after two successive defeats.

[Golden_Boy™]

HUNGARY 4-0 SOUTH AFRICA

Four second half goals from Hungary banished the memories of their opening defeat to Honduras as they cruised to victory against a stuttering South Africa side.

South Africa, who were stunned by two goals in added time by United Arab Emirates in their last match, looked as though they were still reeling from that experience as they struggled to create chances throughout the 90 minutes.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts were demolished by a devastating 22 minute spell from the Hungarians in which they conceded three goals. The first one came in the 49th minute when Zsolt Korcsmar ran through the midfield before slipping the ball to Andras Simon, whose angled shot at the keeper was parried straight back to Korcsmar who took the simplest of chances.

Six minutes later, it was 2-0. Marko Futacs was felled in the box by Collen Zulu and referee Hector Baldassi had no option but to point to the spot. Skipper Vladimir Koman stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and sent Thela Ngobeni the wrong way with a low shot.

Hungary made it 3-0 in the 71st minute when Andras Gosztonyi delivered a fine free-kick from the right in between the defence and the goalkeeper - and Andras Debreceni attacked the ball with a solid header which flew into the net.

Adam Presinger completed the scoring in the final minute when he curled a well-worked free kick by Ngobeni.

The result leaves South Africa needing a win in their final group game against Honduras to qualify for the next stage. Hungary also need a result in their final match in order to make it through.

[Golden_Boy™]

SPAIN 3-0 VENEZUELA

Spain secured top spot in Group B and maintained their unblemished record at Egypt 2009 with a stylish and thoroughly convincing 3-0 win over Venezuela. La Roja have been hugely impressive thus far and this was another commanding performance, with the South Americans - who, like their opponents, kicked off with qualification assured - fortunate not to lose by a greater margin.

The tone was set as early as the 11th minute, when Venezuela keeper Rafael Romo was forced into a fine save to tip Aaron Niguez's 20-yard drive on to the crossbar. Within 60 seconds, however, Spain were in front. Daniel Perejo was the man to break the deadlock, curling a superb free-kick over the wall and beyond the statuesque Romo from just outside the box.

Pejero went close to doubling his tally from a near-identical position a couple of minutes later, and with Venezuela offering next to nothing at the other end, it was no surprise when Spain extended their advantage from the penalty spot on 26 minutes. Kike earned the award and argued with Niguez over the right to take it before finally conceding defeat. Niguez, to his credit, justified his insistence on keeping hold of the ball by sending Romo the wrong way with a coolly-dispatched spot kick.

We had yet to see La Vinotinto as an attacking force at this stage but they finally registered an effort of note in 28 minutes, when Yonathan Del Valle's long-range shot forced Sergio Asenjo into a solid save. However, Spain's stranglehold was maintained in the second half and Kike went close shortly after the restart with cross-cum-shot that slipped just past the far post.

Ultimately, a resounding victory for La Roja was rounded off 13 minutes from time when Ander Herrera scored a superb third, working a neat one-two with Andreu Fontas before rattling an unstoppable shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

[Golden_Boy™]

NIGERIA 5-0 TAHITI

Nigeria put five past Tahiti in a game where two brothers were sent off for the Islanders, but some wasteful finishing might hamper their hopes of qualification.

As expected, the Flying Eagles were dominant in the opening stages, keeping Tahiti camped in their own half, but had to wait 15 minutes for their first goal. Wingers Omatsone Aluko and King Osanga combined well to supply Obiora Nwa*kwo who fired past Teave Teamotuaitau.

There was almost an embarrassing moment for the Nigerians four minutes later when Steevy Chong Hue raced past Daniel Adejo to present him with a one-on-one opportunity. However, Uche Okafor raced off his line to stop the ball with his legs.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Ibok Edet took advantage of some slack marking to head home King Osanga's corner. Ten minutes later it was 3-0 when Kehinde Fatai slipped past Tehvarii Ludivion and sidefooted home from another Osanga corner.

Chong Hue had another opportunity from the edge of the box, but fired straight into the arms of the keeper and Danny Uchechi should have done better with a glorious chance, but the stand-in skipper missed the target completely.

Two minutes before half-time, Tahiti were reduced to ten men when Lorenzo Tehau was dismissed for his second yellow of the night. With the final kick of the game, Nigeria scored their fourth, when Nurudeen Orelesi's outrageous cross-cum-shot curled into the net.

The second half was largely a frustrating one for Nigeria. Uchechi hit the post with a downward header, but their cause was given a further boost in the 74th minute when Tahiti were reduced to nine men; this time it was Alvin Tehau, brother of Lorenzo, who saw red - again for a second bookable offence.

But still Nigeria could not find a breakthrough. Substitute Raheem Lawal stung the hands of Teamotuaitau from the edge of the box and many more Flying Eagles' chances were wasted. Adejo made it five in the final minute, but Samson Siasia and his side face a nervy wait with a goal difference of +2 to see if they will end up as one of the four best third placed sides.

[Golden_Boy™]

EGYPT 4-2 ITALY

An unforgettable night in Cairo ended with Egypt advancing to the last 16 as Group A winners after Bogy came off the bench to settle a six-goal thriller with Italy. The Zamalek striker provided the decisive contribution following an earlier brace by Ahmed Shoukri to finish off an Azzurrini side who go through by virtue of their position as one of the best third-placed teams.

A frantic opening set the pattern for the most dramatic and exciting match of the tournament thus far, with Italy's Antonio Mazzotta firing wide from the angle of the box inside the opening couple of minutes.

Egypt were clearly nervous, but steadily grew into the game and created their first chance when Ahmed Shoukri cut inside from the right but failed to find the target with a shot that lacked conviction. However, if that was a disappointing effort from the Pharaohs No10, he more than made amends six minutes later with a brilliant opening goal.

Not for the first, or last time, Italy failed to clear their lines effectively, and Shoukri met the ball first time to send a rocket of a left-foot shot skidding along the turf and in at the helpless keeper's left-hand post. The stadium erupted and yet, within six minutes, there was only silence as Italy restored parity.

Aly Mohamed was the villain of the piece, mis-kicking his clearance, although credit must go to Umberto Eusepi for an ice-cool finish into the far corner from six yards. If Egypt were rocked by that equaliser, it didn't show. Soon, they were on the attack again and it was no more than they deserved when Shoukri restored their lead in first half stoppage time.

Again, the Italy defence were caught napping, and the Al Ahly youngster took full advantage with a shot that spun into the net via a wicked deflection. The hosts looked to be in command at this stage, but despite starting the second half the stronger, they found themselves pegged back again just seven minutes after the re-start. They had no-one to blame but themselves either, having allowed substitute Michelangelo Albertazzi to sneak in unmarked at a corner and direct a precise header into the bottom corner.

The situation called for a hero, and Egypt found one in Bogy. The Zamalek striker's fairy tale began when he scored with his very first touch, heading home with 20 minutes remaining after Italy made a hash of clearing their lines.

Then, ten minutes later, the same player sealed a memorable victory with a goal fit to win any game. Taking the ball on his chest with his back to goal, he cushioned it into his path before blasting a brilliant volley beyond the grasp of the Italian keeper.

[Golden_Boy™]

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 0-0 PARAGUAY

A goalless draw between Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago in Cairo was enough to see the South Americans qualify for the last 16 as the second placed team in Group A, while Trinidad and Tobago deservedly picked up their first point of the competition in their final game.

With his team already qualified from the last matchday, Adrian Coria made no fewer than six changes to his starting line-up from the team that defeated Egypt, which reflected in the cohesion of his team's performance.

For all Paraguay's pressure and possession in the first half, they did not create many chances. Indeed, their finest chance of the half came in the opening ten minutes when Aldo Paniagua's shot from just inside the box forced Joel Silva into a great save. Hernan Perez also had a shot from the edge of the box, but it whistled past the left hand post.

Trinidad and Tobago had to wait until midway through the first half for their first attempt when Khaleem Hyland's shot went just wide. Four minutes later, Robert Primus headed just over from a free kick as their confidence grew, which was signified when Jake Thomson tried to beat the keeper from a full 40 yards, but it again went wide.

As the half drew to a close, Paniagua, Paraguay's matchwinner against Egypt, was at the heart of two good opportunities for the South Americans. Firstly, he saw a right foot shot flash across the face of goal and then set-up Luis Paez, who headed his cross over the bar.

Paraguay had most of the ball after the break, but both sides lacked fluency and as a result failed to create many clear-cut chances. A long range drive from Celso Ortiz forced Glenroy Samuel into a scrambling stop. Ortiz had another crack from distance, which whistled just wide.

Silva almost put his side into trouble when he came rushing off his line to collect a loose ball, but fail to reckon with the pace of Juma Clarence who got their first, but his cheeky lob went over the bar. Celso Ortiz forced Samuel into another save in the final minute, which the United Petrolin goalkeeper gathered at the second attempt.

The supporters at the Al Salam Stadium, did have some goals to cheer, but they were Egypt's in the hosts' 4-2 victory over Italy, which gave Paraguay second spot in Group A, setting up a clash with Group C's second place team in Cairo on Monday 5 October.

[Golden_Boy™]

URUGUAY 2-2 GHANA

Uruguay produced a stirring fightback to draw with Ghana 2-2, but it was not enough to take them to the top of Group D, with the African champions having a better goal difference.

There were a few surprises in both team's starting line-ups. Sellas Tetteh opted to leave marauding full-backs Samuel Inkoom and David Addy on the bench, with Daniel Opare and Ghandy Kassenu given the chance to impress. For Uruguay, Abel Hernandez was given his first start of the tournament with Santiago Garcia left on the bench.

The first half was incredibly even, with both teams sharing possession and having two shots on goal each. Uruguay looked clever in possession and technically very sound, with Ghana looking strong and well organised.

The South Americans signalled their intent to pick up the three points by bossing the early exchanges and almost took the lead in the ninth minute when Adrian Guinino's cross was met by Tabare Viudez at the far post. The midfielder made a good connection with the ball, but knocked it into the ground, reducing its pace and making life easier for Daniel Agyei.

At the other end, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu's drive from the edge of the box forced a super save from Martin Rodriguez, but then the game lost its way somewhat as the pace dropped and chances dried up. The introduction of Gaston Ramires for Maximiliano Calzada almost paid off immediately for Uruguay, as he started a move which led to a fine chance for Matias Aguirregaray, but his finish was a tame one.

The game desperately needed a goal and Andre Ayew almost provided it by flashing a shot across the face of goal in the 52nd minute, but the African champions did not have too long to wait. Two minutes later, the Ghana captain picked up possession on the edge of the box and slipped the ball to Mohammed Rabiu who shrugged off the challenge of two defenders before firing past Rodriguez.

Abel Hernandez should have equalised for Uruguay when he dragged his shot wide of the post with just the keeper to beat and seconds after that glaring miss, Ghana went 2-0 up when Abeiku Quansah crossed for Ransford Osei to score his third goal of the tournament.

Uruguay pulled one back when Ramirez slid the ball through to Nicolas Lodeiro to power a shot into the roof of the net and a minute later the Black Satellites were down to ten men when Mohammed Rabiu was given a straight red card for a high challenge on Aguirregaray. From then on, Ghana moved to protect their lead; Tetteh taking off Osei and Ayew for defenders Gladson Awako and David Addy respectively.

However, in the first minute of added time, Uruguay claimed an equaliser when Lodeiro set up Hernandez who took his chance well. It set up a frenetic last few minutes, but Ghana held firm to set up a meeting with a third placed team from groups B, E, F, while Aguirre's side must travel to Port Said to meet the winners of Group E, which could be Brazil.

[Golden_Boy™]

UZBEKISTAN 1-1 ENGLAND

Nigeria are through to the last 16 after England and Uzbekistan went out of Egypt 2009 with a whimper, drawing 1-1 to consign both to elimination. The Flying Eagles' position as one of the best third-placed teams was confirmed after a forgettable match that only briefly flickered to life in the final stages.

Both sides went into this match knowing that they had to win handsomely and see results elsewhere go their way, but neither seemed to have the belief that the great escape could be pulled off. Chances were few and far between throughout, although England's Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely provided an early effort with a low shot that sneaked just wide of the far post after Uzbekistan had failed to clear lines. England dominated the first half, but there was precious little quality and next to nothing for the fans to get excited about.

The tempo did pick up after the break, and Febien Brandy provided a statement of England's intent four minutes after the restart with a low right-foot shot that skidded just wide of the left-hand post. The Three Lions continued to press but were caught by a classic sucker punch when a swift Uzbekistan counter-attack ended with substitutes Kenja Turaev and Ivan Nagaev combining for the latter to slip home a 77th-minute opener.

An already dire situation almost worsened for England four minutes later when Turaev came close to adding a second with a curling shot that forced Elliot Parish into a superb one-handed tip-over. However, Brian Eastick's side rallied and surged forward to level matters with two minutes remaining when Tchuimeni-Nimely bustled through and rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

It was England's first goal in 849 minutes of FIFA U-20 World Cup action and, remarkably, it was almost followed by an incredible second three minutes into injury time. Parish charged forward for a late corner but when the ball dropped to him eight yards out, the England keeper suffered stage-fright and blazed his shot high and wide.

[Golden_Boy™]

HUNGARY 2-0 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Hungary qualified for the knockout phase of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time in their history, courtesy of a 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates. First half goals from Kristian Nemeth and captain Vladimir Koman took the Europeans to top spot in Group F, while UAE finished second.

The result certainly did not reflect the opening exchanges, as UAE had three good chances to take the lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Amer Abdulrahman fired the first warning shot after just two minutes which he swung his boot at a loose ball which went narrowly over. Ahmed Khalil's free-kick bent around the Hungary wall, but fortunately Peter Gulasci was well placed to save the shot and then Habib Fardan's low drive from the edge of the box had the Liverpool keeper beaten, but fortunately for the custodian, it flashed across the face of the goal.

As so often happens, when a team does not take their chances, their opponents capitalise and that is exactly what occurred in Alexandria. A long ball played from the back was seized upon by Kristian Nemeth, who timed his run to perfection and he slotted the ball past Yousif Abdulrahman for his side's first of the evening. The second swiftly followed - and what a goal it was. A poor clearance from Saad Surour fell at the feet of Vladimir Koman who struck a first time shot with his right foot, which flew into the net.

Both teams exchanged chances after the interval, but they ultimately came to nothing. Koman drove the ball from the left channel into a central area before unleashing a right footed shot which went narrowly over the bar and the same fate befell a free-kick from Hamdan Al Kamali. As the half drew to a close, both teams played a dangerous game. Hungary moved to consolidate their lead, while UAE appeared to be content to maintain the 2-0 scoreline as well, which would have been enough to see them finish in second place. In the final stages, Khalil forced a fantastic save from Gulasci, but even a goal then would not have changed the outcome of the group.

Hungary have now set up a European derby with Czech Republic in Alexandria on Tuesday, while UAE now travel to Suez to face Venezuela a day later.

[Golden_Boy™]

SOUTH AFRICA 2-0 HONDURAS

South Africa took their place in the last 16 with a thoroughly deserved 2-0 win over Honduras that sends the Central Americans heading for home. Bafana Bafana, who were reduced to 10 men late in the match, completely dominated and, though delighted at claiming a first-ever victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, will be frustrated by the knowledge that another goal would have taken them into second place in Group F.

They had gone into this match bottom of the section, knowing that while a draw would suffice for their opponents, only a win would be enough to see them through. The early signs didn't auger well either, with Honduras going close inside the opening couple of minutes when Alfredo Meia sent a well-worked free-kick rocketing into the side-netting from 30 yards.

However, after a sluggish start, South Africa steadily grew into the match and went close twice inside a couple of minutes through the quick and direct George Maluleka. First, the Bafana Bafana No17 jinked through the defence and saw his shot deflected behind, then he again twisted his way through only to be denied by Francisco Reyes in the Honduras goal.

Pressure was mounting, however, and the goal that South Africa had long threatened duly arrived 14 minutes before the interval. Some frantic defending enabled Honduras to scramble half-clear, but Arnold Peralta charged in to meet the ball first time and sent a sweetly-struck right foot shot skidding low into the net from 25 yards.

South Africa were excellent value for their lead at this stage but there was always the concern that, with six goals having been conceded in the second half of their last two games, Bafana Bafana would implode in the second half. They needn't have worried. Within 30 seconds of the game re-starting, they doubled their lead, and the quality of this second goal was every bit as impressive as their first.

Kermit Erasmus, who had been quiet in the first half, slipped through Sibusiso Khumalo with an incisive through ball, and the Moroka Swallpws wingback obliged with an unstoppable shot that flew in off the far post. For South Africa, the chase was now on for a goal that would have taken them into second place, but while Erasmus went close, they lost momentum after Andile Jali saw yellow for a second bookable offence with 12 minutes remaining.

[Golden_Boy™]

CZECH REPUBLIC 3-2 COSTA RICA

Two goals from Jan Chramosta secured a 3-2 victory for Czech Republic to put them second in Group E, while Costa Rica qualified for the last 16 by virtue of goals scored.

The tone was set for an entertaining match of football as early as the third minute when Jorge Castro rounded the Tomas Vaclik, but somehow managed to put his low shot wide. Los Ticos had another good opportunity when a fine throughball found Marcos Urena alone in the box, but Vaclik came off his line quickly and smothered the chance.

Jan Chramosta opened the scoring as early as the 11th minute when his clever turn enabled him to skip past several Costa Rica defenders before he slotted home beyond the reach of Esteban Alvarado. Shortly before the break, Diego Estrada sounded a warning shot when he fired a shot narrowly over the bar, but it was the Europeans who took the lead at half time.

Three minutes after the interval, Estrada was involved again, having been hauled down in the box by Ondrej Celustka. He stepped up to take the resulting penalty and fired a high shot past Vaclik. Twelve minutes later, Costa Rica went ahead when Diego Madrigal's corner was met by a powerful header from super-sub Josue Martinez.

Costa Rica could have increased their lead still further through Estrada, but his shot across the goal from the corner of the box, was a fraction too high. Then, in a six minute period, Czech Republic scored two goals which won them the match. In the 77th minute, Jan Vosahlik made the most of an errant header from a corner, eluding his marker with a cute turn and then firing a low shot beyond Alvarado's dive.

With seven minutes remaining, Chramosta secured the points when he was first to reach a pass before cooly slipping the ball underneath the keeper. The result means that Czech Republic stay in Alexandria to meet Hungary on Tuesday, while on the same day Los Ticos must face hosts Egypt in Cairo thanks to the fact that they scored one more goal than USA.

[Golden_Boy™]

BRAZIL 3-1 AUSTRALIA

Brazil secured top spot in Group E and set up an all-South American last 16 clash with Uruguay by coming from behind to seal a 3-1 win over Australia. Rogerio Lourenco's much-altered side didn't always sparkle against an considerably improved Young Socceroos, but they deservedly prevailed thanks to three goals of the highest quality from Ciro, Douglas Costa and Paulo Henrique.

After drawing with Czech Republic, A Seleção needed a win to be guaranteed top spot, so it was something of a surprise to see Rogerio make no fewer than eight changes to his starting XI. Yet the Brazilians have plenty of talent in reserve, and could have taken the lead as early as the ninth minute.

Andrew Redmayne, who had replaced Dean Bouzanis in goal for the Aussies, flapped at a corner, and Wellington Junior smashed the ball goalwards only to be thwarted by a wall of green and gold. Generally, however, Brazil looked lackadaisical and off the pace at this stage, and it was no great surprise when they fell behind five minutes later.

The manner of the goal was a shock though, and Rafael will still be wondering how he contrived to allow Aaron Mooy's speculative 35-yard free-kick to squirm through his grasp and into the net. However fortuitous it was, breaking the deadlock provided a massive boost to the Young Socceroos' confidence and they came agonisingly close to doubling their lead two minutes later when Kofi Danning struck the face of the post after another Mooy free-kick had again caused havoc.

Brazil were struggling to rise to the occasion, but they came to life on 21 minutes with an outrageous effort from Douglas Costa, who skipped round the keeper and whipped his left foot behind his right leg only to nudge the ball past the far post. It proved to be the spark that A Seleção needed to up the tempo and, 11 minutes before the break, they scored a terrific equaliser.

Ciro, one of the players introduced to the starting line-up, teased Rhyan Grant on the left-hand edge of the box before jinking past the Aussie right back and crashing in a left-foot a shot that clipped the near post on its way into the net. Brazil never looked back from that moment onwards and saw Paulo Henrique go close to doubling their lead with a superb 25-yard free-kick that shaved a layer of paint off the crossbar.

For Australia, this near miss merely delayed the inevitable. Ciro should have added a second nine minutes after the restart after being set up by Douglas Costa, but fired over when it appeared easier to score. Douglas Costa therefore took it upon himself to switch from creator to finisher, taking a cross from Maicon in his stride, controlling instantly and stabbing the ball past Redmayne with the outside of his left boot.

Brazil were cruising now, and they added a superb third with nine minutes remaining when the impressive Paulo Henrique shuffled past Sam Gallagher on the right flank and curled a quite magnificent 20-yard shot into the top left-hand corner via a slight touch off the underside of the bar. That put the seal on a win that leaves Rogerio's side to look forward to a meeting with their regional rivals, and Australia to head for home without a point to their name.