Football: Portugal, Mexico advance to semis

BOGOTA: Portugal advanced to the semi-finals of the under-20 World Cup with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over favourites Argentina as Mexico also booked their berth by beating hosts Colombia 3-1. In a tie with few real chances on goal and a scoreline 0-0 after 120 minutes, the Portuguese came back from a 3-1 penalty deficit to send Argentina crashing out of the competition they have won six times. Argentina coach Walter Perazzo, whose side had not conceded a goal so far in the competition, admitted he was stunned by the defeat. “The outcome was unexpected,” said Perazzo. “Luck favoured them in the penalty shootout.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2011.