Nigeria only needed a draw to move on at the Under 17 World Cup. Instead they delighted the home crowd as they defeated Argentina 2-1. Argentina had already assured passage and rested some starters in the match. With the win Nigeria advance as Group A winners and Argentina will go on as Group A runners up.
The match started fast and furious as both sides looked to put on a show. It took Argentina only two minutes to grab the lead though as Esteban Orfano buried a left footed strike. Just three minutes later Nigeria was level from a corner kick. The corner was flicked to the waiting Omoh Ojabu who touched it home from close range.
The match would flow into the second half level at one. Both sides could have been comfortable with the draw, but the home crowd urged Nigeria to find the winner. And find it they did when Olarenwaju Kayode was dropped in the penalty area and the referee awarded Nigeria the spot kick. Olarenwaju Kayode hammered it home and the hosts had their win and the Group A title.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Turkey win Group D at Under 17 World Cup
Turkey put on an emphatic display in their second Group D match at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria blasting Costa Rica 4-1. The win clinched the group for Turkey who defeated Burkino Faso in their opening game.
Just as in their first game Turkey jumped ahead in only the 3rd minute of play. Berkin Arslan threaded a pass to Omer Ali Sahiner who scored from 12 yards out. Turkey doubled their lead in the 33rd when Muhammet Demir tallied and the exclamation point came just before halftime when they made it 3-0 through Engin Bekdemir.
Costa Rica grabbed one back as Turkey relaxed with their comfortable 3-0 lead. Jonathan Moya tapped a rebound into an empty net. Turkey would add a late fourth with a wonderful strike from substitute Gokay Iravul.
Turkey wins Group D with the win while New Zealand, Burkino Faso and Costa Rica will fight it out for 2nd place. New Zealand is on two points while Burkino Faso and Costa Rica both hold a single point so far.
Just as in their first game Turkey jumped ahead in only the 3rd minute of play. Berkin Arslan threaded a pass to Omer Ali Sahiner who scored from 12 yards out. Turkey doubled their lead in the 33rd when Muhammet Demir tallied and the exclamation point came just before halftime when they made it 3-0 through Engin Bekdemir.
Costa Rica grabbed one back as Turkey relaxed with their comfortable 3-0 lead. Jonathan Moya tapped a rebound into an empty net. Turkey would add a late fourth with a wonderful strike from substitute Gokay Iravul.
Turkey wins Group D with the win while New Zealand, Burkino Faso and Costa Rica will fight it out for 2nd place. New Zealand is on two points while Burkino Faso and Costa Rica both hold a single point so far.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Mexico upset Brazil at U17 World Cup
Mexico bounced back from an opening loss to Switzerland by riding a second half goal to a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria. The result throws leaves Brazil and Mexico tied on three points while Switzerland sits at six after beating Japan earlier in the day.
Mexico looked the better side in the opening half, but neither side was able to snatch the opening goal. It was a corner kick which allowed Mexico to grab the winner in the 70th minute. The corner swerved in near post where the Brazilian keeper dove out to cut it off. The ball bounced away right to Miguel Basulto who finished low to the backpost.
Brazil searched for the equalizer, but Mexico keeper Jose Rodriguez stood strong in the nets allowing Mexico to hold on for the important win. Mexico will face Japan to close Group B play while Brazil faces unbeaten Switzerland who has already clinched passage into the final 16.
Mexico looked the better side in the opening half, but neither side was able to snatch the opening goal. It was a corner kick which allowed Mexico to grab the winner in the 70th minute. The corner swerved in near post where the Brazilian keeper dove out to cut it off. The ball bounced away right to Miguel Basulto who finished low to the backpost.
Brazil searched for the equalizer, but Mexico keeper Jose Rodriguez stood strong in the nets allowing Mexico to hold on for the important win. Mexico will face Japan to close Group B play while Brazil faces unbeaten Switzerland who has already clinched passage into the final 16.
South Korea defeat Uruguay at U17 World Cup
South Korea is always a tricky match. Supreme fitness and good organization have been trademarks for years. Uruguay found out first hand in their opening Group F game at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria.
South Korea were better in every phase of the game jumping out to the early lead when Seung-Woo Nam was left unmarked in front of goal for the easy finish. Uruguay should have tied the match minutes later, but they were unable to put away a 3v1 break and the game went to halftime 1-0 to South Korea.
Uruguay came out after the break looking for the equalizer and they were rewarded when Adrian Luna was dropped in the area and awarded a penalty kick. Gallegos converted and the game was all even.
Giving up the goal spurred the Koreans forward though as Uruguay seemed to relax having tied the match. A deflected free kick put South Korea right back in front. A 35 yard free kick deflected off the wall and fell to Heung-Min Son who scored from close range. South Korea would put the finishing touches on the game with a late goal from Jong-Ho Lee in injury time.
The win gives South Korea sets up a showdown with Italy in the second group game. Italy beat Algeria 1-0 in their opener. Uruguay will face Algeria in a must win situation.
South Korea were better in every phase of the game jumping out to the early lead when Seung-Woo Nam was left unmarked in front of goal for the easy finish. Uruguay should have tied the match minutes later, but they were unable to put away a 3v1 break and the game went to halftime 1-0 to South Korea.
Uruguay came out after the break looking for the equalizer and they were rewarded when Adrian Luna was dropped in the area and awarded a penalty kick. Gallegos converted and the game was all even.
Giving up the goal spurred the Koreans forward though as Uruguay seemed to relax having tied the match. A deflected free kick put South Korea right back in front. A 35 yard free kick deflected off the wall and fell to Heung-Min Son who scored from close range. South Korea would put the finishing touches on the game with a late goal from Jong-Ho Lee in injury time.
The win gives South Korea sets up a showdown with Italy in the second group game. Italy beat Algeria 1-0 in their opener. Uruguay will face Algeria in a must win situation.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Under 17 World Cup Columbia over Holland
Columbia pulled a mild upset knocking off one of the tournament favorites Holland in their opening match 2-1. The game was tied 0-0 at halftime and sprung to life after the break. Fabian Castillo put Columbia in front after ten minutes of second half play. Wilson Cuero got in a nice cross which Fabian Castillo chested down and volleyed home.
Holland would strike back though earning a penalty kick in the 69th after Ola John was pulled down in the area. Oguzhan Ozyakup stepped up and put the spot kick in the net tying the game.
The tie would last only a couple of minutes as Columbia found the winner. Once again it was Wilson Cuero supplying the ball finding Deiner Cordoba in tight who fired a deflected shot into the Holland goal.
The win leaves Columbia with Iran on top of Group C at the Under 17 World Cup. Iran knocked off Gambia 2-0. Next up the two leaders will face off with the winner clinching passage. Holland will face Gambia in a must win match for both sides.
Holland would strike back though earning a penalty kick in the 69th after Ola John was pulled down in the area. Oguzhan Ozyakup stepped up and put the spot kick in the net tying the game.
The tie would last only a couple of minutes as Columbia found the winner. Once again it was Wilson Cuero supplying the ball finding Deiner Cordoba in tight who fired a deflected shot into the Holland goal.
The win leaves Columbia with Iran on top of Group C at the Under 17 World Cup. Iran knocked off Gambia 2-0. Next up the two leaders will face off with the winner clinching passage. Holland will face Gambia in a must win match for both sides.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Mexico drops opener at Under 17 World Cup to Switzerland
Switzerland opened the Under 17 World Cup with a quality 2-0 win over Mexico in Nigeria. Lazio-based midfielder Pajtim Kasami opened the scoring for Switzerland and it was also the opening goal of the 2009 Under 17 World Cup. Mexico controlled the lions share of the ball, but could not convert all the possession into scoring opportunities as Switzerland was content to sit back and let Mexico have the ball in non-dangerous areas.
An own goal just before halftime sealed Mexico's fate as it was a frustrating loss. Mexico clearly felt they had the superior team on the day, just not the scoreboard. The other Group B game saw Brazil break a halftime tie with a goal in the second half to defeat a feisty Japan side 2-1. Mexico faces a difficult test next in a must win match against Brazil. Switzerland faces Japan with a chance to clinch a spot in the round of 16 knockout phase.
An own goal just before halftime sealed Mexico's fate as it was a frustrating loss. Mexico clearly felt they had the superior team on the day, just not the scoreboard. The other Group B game saw Brazil break a halftime tie with a goal in the second half to defeat a feisty Japan side 2-1. Mexico faces a difficult test next in a must win match against Brazil. Switzerland faces Japan with a chance to clinch a spot in the round of 16 knockout phase.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Carlos Alberto Parreira to coach South Africa at World Cup
Carlos Alberto Parreira has been offered the head coaching position of the host South Africa squad for next summer's World Cup. An entourage was in Brazil this week from South Africa to make the official offer and just some loose ends need to be tied up before the appointment can be finalzied and announced.
South Africa fired coach Joel Santana Monday and are looking for a quick resolution to the vacant position. The South Africans have suffered a run of eight defeats and are looking to go in another direction before the World Cup.
If Carlos Alberto Parreira takes the job, it will be his sixth World Cup as a coach after two with Brazil in 1994 and 2006, Kuwait in 1982, the United Arab Emirates in 1990 and Saudi Arabia in 1998.
South Africa fired coach Joel Santana Monday and are looking for a quick resolution to the vacant position. The South Africans have suffered a run of eight defeats and are looking to go in another direction before the World Cup.
If Carlos Alberto Parreira takes the job, it will be his sixth World Cup as a coach after two with Brazil in 1994 and 2006, Kuwait in 1982, the United Arab Emirates in 1990 and Saudi Arabia in 1998.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Honduras grabs last World Cup berth from CONCACAF
It seemed it wasn't meant to be. Chasing the last World Cup berth from CONCACAF Honduras needed to win in El Salvador and have the US get a result against Costa Rica. The news was bad as Costa Rica jumped out 2-0 first leaders against the Americans. Then stars aligned for Honduras last night.
The United States staged a furious rally with 10 men against Costa Rica and Honduras nabbed the goal they needed from Carlos Pavon to go ahead of El Salvador. Both matches were running at the same time. With only minutes left in each Honduras still needed some help. They were clinging to a 1 goal lead in El Salvador, but Costa Rica was still leading 2-1 in Washington DC. with only 30 seconds left in injury time the Americans gave Honduras the gift they were seeking when Jonathan Bornstein headed home a corner kick tying the game.
Both matches ended and Honduras had snuck over Costa Rica into 3rd and claimed a bid to South Africa 2010.
The United States staged a furious rally with 10 men against Costa Rica and Honduras nabbed the goal they needed from Carlos Pavon to go ahead of El Salvador. Both matches were running at the same time. With only minutes left in each Honduras still needed some help. They were clinging to a 1 goal lead in El Salvador, but Costa Rica was still leading 2-1 in Washington DC. with only 30 seconds left in injury time the Americans gave Honduras the gift they were seeking when Jonathan Bornstein headed home a corner kick tying the game.
Both matches ended and Honduras had snuck over Costa Rica into 3rd and claimed a bid to South Africa 2010.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Argentina gets it done with win in Uruguay
A World Cup without Argentina just would not be right at all. Not being able to see Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez carving up defense would be a travesty. Argeintina difficult though saving it for the last day and having to get a result in Uruguay. Embattled coach Diego Maradona had the weight of his country on his shoulders as Argentina took the field, but the visitors were up to the task on the evening.
Overall it was a very quiet game with few real offensive chances. Most of the game was played in the midfield with both teams trying to gain control of the match. Neither side ever really won the possession battle and there were only four shots on goal the entire night. Disappoint for the home Urugauyans for sure as they would have grabbed the World Cup bid with a win.
The decisive play came only 6 minutes from time as Juan Sebastian Veron rifled in a free kick that was not dealt with. Mario Ariel Bolatti got on the loose ball and put it home for the winner. Uruaguay had to finish with 10 men after Martin Caceras was sent off for his 2nd yellow on the goal.
With the win, Argentina gains the 4th and final World Cup berth from South America. Thanks to Ecuador losing in Columbia, Uruguay will hold onto 5th place and enter the playoff round to face Costa Rica in a home and home next month.
Overall it was a very quiet game with few real offensive chances. Most of the game was played in the midfield with both teams trying to gain control of the match. Neither side ever really won the possession battle and there were only four shots on goal the entire night. Disappoint for the home Urugauyans for sure as they would have grabbed the World Cup bid with a win.
The decisive play came only 6 minutes from time as Juan Sebastian Veron rifled in a free kick that was not dealt with. Mario Ariel Bolatti got on the loose ball and put it home for the winner. Uruaguay had to finish with 10 men after Martin Caceras was sent off for his 2nd yellow on the goal.
With the win, Argentina gains the 4th and final World Cup berth from South America. Thanks to Ecuador losing in Columbia, Uruguay will hold onto 5th place and enter the playoff round to face Costa Rica in a home and home next month.
Portugal keeps hopes alive with easy win over Malta
Two goals on either side of halftime were enough to see Portugal easily through to the playoffs for World Cup 2010 as the 2nd place team from Group 1. Portugal edged out Sweden by a single point who will be watching next summer from home. Denmark took the group and the automatic berth.
Even without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal had no trouble with minnows Malta. Goals from Nani, Simao, Veloso and Edinho summed up the 4-0 victory. Next up will be the playoffs where the 8 remaining sides from Europe will be drawn into 4 matchups with a home and home series. The winning 4 will earn a spot in World Cup 2010.
Even without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal had no trouble with minnows Malta. Goals from Nani, Simao, Veloso and Edinho summed up the 4-0 victory. Next up will be the playoffs where the 8 remaining sides from Europe will be drawn into 4 matchups with a home and home series. The winning 4 will earn a spot in World Cup 2010.
Ukraine grabs playoff spot with win over Andorra
Ukraine wrapped up the palyoff spot from European Group 6 as runners up to England in the group. It was no contest as minnows Andorra were quickly overrun by the determined team from the Ukraine. Andorra were able to keep the first half damage to only a Shevchenko goal, but the result was never in question.
The second half saw Ukraine knock home 5 goals from 4 separate players along with an own goal. Croatia won at Kazakhstan 2-1 but still finished a single point behind Ukraine and will be sitting at home next summer during the World Cup.
The second half saw Ukraine knock home 5 goals from 4 separate players along with an own goal. Croatia won at Kazakhstan 2-1 but still finished a single point behind Ukraine and will be sitting at home next summer during the World Cup.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Last Two World Cup berths from Europe to be decided Wednesday
Only two qualifying groups are undecided in European qualifying for World Cup 2010. They will be hashed out on Wednesday as both Group 2 and Group 3 will produce winners.
Group 2 is between Switzerland and Greece with the Swiss clearly in the drivers seat. Switzerland is at home to Israel and only need a draw to lock up the World Cup berth. Greece hosts Luxembourg where they must win and then hope for a major Swiss mis-step. Israel is still in the race for the playoff spot so they will give a good account of themselves in Switzerland.
Group 3 comes down to Slovakia and Slovenia with Slovakia on top by 2 points currently. They are away to Poland who has yet to lose on home soil in qualifying so far. Slovenia are away to San Marino who have the worst record of all European squads so far. If Slovakia cannot win in Poland it is very likely Slovenia will grab the World Cup berth. A Slovakia draw in Poland will likely see them lose goal differential with Slovenia for the group.
Group 2 is between Switzerland and Greece with the Swiss clearly in the drivers seat. Switzerland is at home to Israel and only need a draw to lock up the World Cup berth. Greece hosts Luxembourg where they must win and then hope for a major Swiss mis-step. Israel is still in the race for the playoff spot so they will give a good account of themselves in Switzerland.
Group 3 comes down to Slovakia and Slovenia with Slovakia on top by 2 points currently. They are away to Poland who has yet to lose on home soil in qualifying so far. Slovenia are away to San Marino who have the worst record of all European squads so far. If Slovakia cannot win in Poland it is very likely Slovenia will grab the World Cup berth. A Slovakia draw in Poland will likely see them lose goal differential with Slovenia for the group.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Late Poulsen goal lifts Denmark to South Africa
After a scoreless first half things livened up after the break. Sweden dominated most of the 2nd half as they emerged from the locker room energized after the break. Two second half goals for Sweden were disallowed and Sweden had nothing to show for the good work.
The dagger came late for Denmark as Jacob Poulsen notched his first goal in a Denmark jersey. Poulsen cut inside and drove a hard, low shot from about 25 yards out. The ball rifled on goal and skipped past the diving Andreas Isaksson into the net.
The win sends Denmark to the World Cup next summer in South Africa while Sweden teeters on the brink of elimination. Portugal hopped past Sweden and into the playoff position for the group thanks to their 3-0 win over Hungary. A Portugal win at home to minnows Malta on Wednesday will grab the playoff spot and keep Sweden home next summer.
The dagger came late for Denmark as Jacob Poulsen notched his first goal in a Denmark jersey. Poulsen cut inside and drove a hard, low shot from about 25 yards out. The ball rifled on goal and skipped past the diving Andreas Isaksson into the net.
The win sends Denmark to the World Cup next summer in South Africa while Sweden teeters on the brink of elimination. Portugal hopped past Sweden and into the playoff position for the group thanks to their 3-0 win over Hungary. A Portugal win at home to minnows Malta on Wednesday will grab the playoff spot and keep Sweden home next summer.
Chile qualifies from South America
Chile earned their place in South Africa 2010 with a solid 4-2 win in Columbia. Jorge Valdivia was the hero for Chile as he came off the bench to score a goal and create the other three. Columbia was able to tie the match early in the 2nd half, but Chile rallied and took over from there.
The win left three South American sides to fight for the final automatic bid. Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador will play on Wednesday in the final round of group matches.
Chile will finish at home in front of the home fans against a desparate Ecuador side which must win big and hope for a Argentina-Uruguay draw. Chile last made an appearance at the World Cup in 1998.
The win left three South American sides to fight for the final automatic bid. Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador will play on Wednesday in the final round of group matches.
Chile will finish at home in front of the home fans against a desparate Ecuador side which must win big and hope for a Argentina-Uruguay draw. Chile last made an appearance at the World Cup in 1998.
Mexico into World Cup with win over El Salvador
Mexico grabbed their spot in the 2010 World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 win over El Salvador at Azteca. It will be Mexico's 14th appearance at the World Cup.
An own goal put Mexico ahead at the half, but it was well deserved as they were on the attack most of the opening half. The second half saw the flair as the game got away from El Salvador late. Mexico netted three times in the final 20 minutes to break the game open and send Azteca into wild celebration. Man of the Match Cuauhtémoc Blanco was unstoppable all night long.
"I'm so happy. This is a time to celebrate," said captain Rafa Marquez, who made his return after a long injury lay-off. "This is a great team and Javier Aguirre is a great coach. We worked hard and got the job done. The credit goes to all to my teammates and to the coach. They are all amazing."
An own goal put Mexico ahead at the half, but it was well deserved as they were on the attack most of the opening half. The second half saw the flair as the game got away from El Salvador late. Mexico netted three times in the final 20 minutes to break the game open and send Azteca into wild celebration. Man of the Match Cuauhtémoc Blanco was unstoppable all night long.
"I'm so happy. This is a time to celebrate," said captain Rafa Marquez, who made his return after a long injury lay-off. "This is a great team and Javier Aguirre is a great coach. We worked hard and got the job done. The credit goes to all to my teammates and to the coach. They are all amazing."
Monday, October 5, 2009
Denmark, Portugal, Sweden and Hungary fight it out in Group 1
The Group 1 title is on the line in European qualifying for the World Cup and four teams are stil squarely in the fight heading into the last week of soccer. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo face a pair of must win games to have any chance of qualifying for World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
Luckily, both matches are at home as they face Hungary Saturday and Malta Wednesday. The Malta game should be a walk, but Hungary will present major issues as they are in the fight as well tied with Portugal on 13 points. It is basically an elimination game with the loser out. Both would be in serious difficulty with a draw.
Group leaders Denmark only need a draw at home to Sweden to clinch the group. Even if they fail against against Sweden they can grab a playoff spot on Wednesday against Hungary. Sweden gets Albania at home on Wednesday so a result in Sweden could see them grab the group 1 top spot. Bottom line is it will defeinitely come down to the last day of games on Wednesday with soccer fans all over Europe biting their nails.
Denmark 18
Sweden 15
Portugal 13
Hungary 13
Luckily, both matches are at home as they face Hungary Saturday and Malta Wednesday. The Malta game should be a walk, but Hungary will present major issues as they are in the fight as well tied with Portugal on 13 points. It is basically an elimination game with the loser out. Both would be in serious difficulty with a draw.
Group leaders Denmark only need a draw at home to Sweden to clinch the group. Even if they fail against against Sweden they can grab a playoff spot on Wednesday against Hungary. Sweden gets Albania at home on Wednesday so a result in Sweden could see them grab the group 1 top spot. Bottom line is it will defeinitely come down to the last day of games on Wednesday with soccer fans all over Europe biting their nails.
Denmark 18
Sweden 15
Portugal 13
Hungary 13
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Germany claims Group C title
Germany claimed the Group C group title as they dispatched Cameroon 3-0 Friday at the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt. The knock on African teams are that even though they are very athletic and creative on the ball they tend to lose their shape and discipline as a team. Such was the case with Cameroon.
They started brightly with flare and on the attack, but it eventually faded against the well organized Germans. Cameroon held out until almost halftime, but in the 41st minute Germany had their lead through Richard Sukuta-Pasu who headed home a set piece. The second half was all Germany as they ran out behind goals from Aydilek and Holtby.
Cameroon finished last in Group C while Germany advances as winners to face Nigeria in the next round of play. Korea defeated a disappointing US squad to claim 2nd in the group and advance to face Paraguay, while the Americans are all but eliminated.
They started brightly with flare and on the attack, but it eventually faded against the well organized Germans. Cameroon held out until almost halftime, but in the 41st minute Germany had their lead through Richard Sukuta-Pasu who headed home a set piece. The second half was all Germany as they ran out behind goals from Aydilek and Holtby.
Cameroon finished last in Group C while Germany advances as winners to face Nigeria in the next round of play. Korea defeated a disappointing US squad to claim 2nd in the group and advance to face Paraguay, while the Americans are all but eliminated.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Spain wins Group B at Under 20 World Cup
Spain closed out a perfect opening round of the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt with a comfortable 3-0 win over Venezuela on Thursday. With the win Spain finished Group B play with 3 wins and a sparkling 13-0 goal differential. They served notice they are a serious threat to win the tournament.
Both teams entered the day on 6 points, but it only took Spain 11 minutes to jump in front with a goal from Daniel Perejo. Just 15 minutes later Spain doubled their lead as Kike was taken down in the Venezuela area and awarded a penalty. Niguez slotted home and Spain were on their way.
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.
Venezuela still finish 2nd in the group and will advance to the final 16. Spain will face a 3rd place finisher while Venezuela will matchup against the 2nd place team from Group F.
Both teams entered the day on 6 points, but it only took Spain 11 minutes to jump in front with a goal from Daniel Perejo. Just 15 minutes later Spain doubled their lead as Kike was taken down in the Venezuela area and awarded a penalty. Niguez slotted home and Spain were on their way.
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.
Venezuela still finish 2nd in the group and will advance to the final 16. Spain will face a 3rd place finisher while Venezuela will matchup against the 2nd place team from Group F.
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