FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Mali, Uruguay through, along with unbeaten Portugal

1-1 draw enough for the South American and African side to progress

WELLINGTON: Mali and Uruguay battled to a draw on Saturday to ensure that both of them joined New Zealand, Portugal, Serbia and Colombia in the final 16 of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

As action in Groups C and D came to a close, Mali and Uruguay drew 1-1 to finish joint second in Group D with identical points and goal tallies.

After a drawing of lots to separate the two, Uruguay were awarded second place with Mali going through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Uruguay scored through a delicate first-half goal by Franco Acosta who, with his back to the goal, deflected the ball past the keeper.

Mali levelled just before the break with an Adama Traore free-kick that found the bottom corner, which set up an uneventful second-half with both sides playing not to lose rather than to win.

All four sides in Group D had started the final pool round locked on three points with Serbia coming through with a 2-0 win over Mexico to earn top spot and send the Central Americans home.

Nemanja Maksimovic put the Serbians 1-0 ahead in the second minute and Andrija Zivkovic added a stunning free-kick just before half-time.

Colombia, who lost to Portugal 3-1 in Group C, also sneaked into the last 16 on goal difference ahead of Senegal, who have a nerve-wracking wait to see if they too will be among the best third-placed teams.

Portugal finished comprehensive winners of the group, scoring 10 goals and conceding only once to Colombia.

Nuno Santos gave Portugal the lead in the third minute with a superb free-kick that curled around the wall and crashed high into the Colombian net.

Andre Silva put Portugal 3-0 up with two second-half goals, the first from the spot and the second from a Santos cross that he guided home with his head.

With Colombia’s future participation hanging by a thread, Santos Barrera found the net with a crucial 74th minute goal that gave them second place in their pool with four points and a one-goal difference.

Senegal also finished with four points but their 2-1 win over Qatar meant they finished third with a -2 goal difference and they now have an anxious wait until the end of pool play on Sunday to see if they will make the round of 16.

Senegal’s poor goal difference confirmed hosts New Zealand will make the knockout phase from Group A as one of the best third-placed sides.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2015.

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