Street Child World Cup: Pakistan lose to Burundi in semi-final

Burundi qualify for the final where they will play against Tanzania.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Burundi beat Pakistan in a closely fought Street Child World Cup (SCWC) semi-final on Saturday after a tough battle between the two teams. 

The match started off with a tricky start for Pakistan as Burundi scored within the first few minutes.

Burundi 1:0 Pakistan. Semi Final #StreetChildWorldCup

— Street Child United (@StreetChildUtd) April 5, 2014

But Pakistan soon leveled the scores, making it 1-1 and then took the lead 2-1.

GOAL! Pakistan! Pakistan 1:1 Burundi #StreetChildWorldCup #semifinal #boys

— Street Child United (@StreetChildUtd) April 5, 2014

Just before halftime, Pakistan doubled their lead to 3-1, giving Burundi mountain to climb after the break.

Another GOAL! Pakistan 3:1 Burundi. #StreetChildWorldCup

— Street Child United (@StreetChildUtd) April 5, 2014

However, as the the second half started, Burundi provided the best response, as they immediately got a goal to get back into the game.

Both sides ferociously attacking! Pakistan 3:2 Burundi #streetchildworldcup

— Street Child United (@StreetChildUtd) April 5, 2014

Both sides played some attacking football but it was Burundi who came away with the most of it, scoring twice in two minutes to lead 4-3.

They held off some ferocious attacks from Pakistan, with the Burndi keeper working hard to keep Pakistan out and ensure they qualified for the final.

FULL TIME: Burundi 4:3 Pakistan. An incredible game! Burundi through to boys final at @FluminenseFC

— Street Child United (@StreetChildUtd) April 5, 2014

Pakistan nonetheless played brilliantly throughout the tournament, topping the Group Three scoring 18 goals in their four matches against teams including India (13-0), Kenya (2-0), Mauritius (3-0) and playing a draw with US (1-1).

Burundi now face Tanzania in the final. Tanzania had earlier in the day defeated USA 6-1.