[UNDER-17 WORLD CUP] The field for the Under-17 World Cup quarterfinals is complete with three teams from South America, two each from Concacaf and Africa and onefrom Europe still alive in the United Arab Emirates.

The big winner Tuesday was Nigeria with a 4-1 win over Iran though it was costly as KelechiIheanacho, who scored four goals in its opening win over Mexico, left the game with a muscle strain shortly after scoring. Nigeria is already without its other big star, Success Isaac, who was injured in group play against Sweden. The Golden Eaglets have now reached the final eight in nine of their 10 appearances at the Under-17 WorldCup.

One of the most impressive performances was Argentina’s 3-1 win over Tunisia thanks to second-half goals from Joaquin Ibanez and Sebastian Driussi.

Uruguay, the runner-up to Mexico two years ago, jumpedout to a 3-0 lead over Slovakia after 42 minutes and cruised to a 4-2 win.

In the other match, Ivory Coast edged Tunisia, 2-1, in a rematch of their African U-17 Championshipsemifinals.

Under-17 World Cup, Results:
ROUND OF 16
Oct. 29 in Ras Al-Khaimah
Uruguay 4 Slovakia 2
Oct. 29 in Fujairah
Morocco 1 Ivory Coast 2
Oct. 29 inDubai
Argentina 3 Tunisia 1
Oct. 29 in Al Ain City
Nigeria 4 Iran 1
Oct. 28 in Abu Dhabi
Italy 0 Mexico 2
Oct. 28 in  Sharjah
Japan 1 Sweden 2  
Oct. 28 in Abu Dhabi
Brazil 3 Russia 1
Oct. 28 in Sharjah
Honduras 1 Uzbekistan 0

Under-17 World Cup, Schedule:
QUARTERFINALS
Nov. 1 in Dubai
Brazil vs. Mexico   
Nov. 1 in Al Ain City
Honduras vs. Sweden   
Nov. 2 in Sharjah
Uruguay vs. Nigeria   
Nov. 2 in Sharjah
Argentina vs. Ivory Coast

Leave a comment