FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Unbeaten Germany, Brazil qualify for last 16

Heavyweights beat Honduras, North Korea respectively to go through

WELLINGTON: Tournament heavyweights Germany and Brazil maintained their unbeaten records to qualify for the round of 16 at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Nigeria and Uzbekistan also qualified as Groups E and F completed their matches, while Hungary, who were beaten by Nigeria, still sneak through as one of the best third-placed sides.

Germany and Brazil joined Portugal as the only teams with a 100 per cent win record after their opening three matches.

European champions Germany knocked Honduras out of the tournament with a 5-1 result that ensured Senegal would go through as one of the best third-placed sides.



Uzbekistan booked their place in the next round when a 3-0 win over Fiji, coupled with the Honduran loss, saw them leap from bottom to second in Group F.

Fiji, who upset Honduras earlier in the tournament, put up stout resistance for 60 minutes before Eldor Shomurodov and Zabikhillo Urinboev both scored in a 60-second burst. Mirjamol Kosimov rounded off the scoring just before full-time.

North Korea, with nothing at stake after losing their first two games, put up a brave show for two-thirds of their match against Brazil.

With a solid defensive wall they kept the game scoreless for 60 minutes, but it fell apart when Min Hyo Song scored an own goal when he deflected a long-range shot from Jaja into the net.

Jean Carlos and Leo Pereira then added to the Brazilian tally as they completed the formalities.

Nigeria set up a last-16 clash with Germany after two goals by Taiwo Awoniyi gave them a 2-0 win over Hungary to finish second in Group E.

The Hungarians also qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Serbia in the knockout stages.

Awoniyi’s first came from a pinpoint cross by Saviour Godwin. The second was a simpler affair after Hungarian pair Attila Osvath and Akos Kecskes collided, leaving Awoniyi with an easy path to the goal. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th,  2015.

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