U20 SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Brazil claim impressive fifth title

Brazil claimed their fifth FIFA U-20 World Cup crown on Saturday, beating Portugal after extra time in Bogota, the first time they have won the competition since 2003.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 ended as it began, with rain teeming down in prelude to the match for third place at El Campin in Bogota.

And for the second time in the competition, following on from their fightback in the Round of 16 against Cameroon, Mexico came from behind to beat France and take third place on the podium, El Tri’s best finish in the competition since 1977, when they ended runners-up. Les Bleuets did not go away too disappointed, however, having completed their best ever campaign in the competition, despite conceding 12 goals, the joint-worst defensive record alongside Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The battle for the bronze medal was followed by the tournament showpiece, in which Brazil claimed their fifth title in the category, avenging the penalty shoot-out defeat they suffered against Portugal 20 years ago and erasing the memory of their loss on penalties to Ghana in the Egypt 2009 final.

Results

Match for third place

Mexico 3-1 France

Final

Brazil 3-2 Portugal (aet)

Goal of the day

Brazil-Portugal, Oscar (111)

Completing an outstanding display and a superlative hat-trick, Oscar collected the ball wide on the right and sent it looping over Mika and into the back of the net, settling a dramatic final in spectacular style.

Memorable moments

Déjà vu: Ulises Davila’s equaliser for Mexico against France was a carbon copy of the goal El Tri keeper Jose Rodriguez conceded in the quarter-finals against Colombia, a speculative shot from long distance slipping between Jonathan Ligali’s legs and over the line. Mexico’s third goal of the day, a powering Edson Rivera header from a Davila corner, was also a repeat of their third goal in that last-eight win over the host nation.

Portuguese motivation: Portugal captain Nuno Reis urged his team-mates on in unique style before the final kicked off. After shaking the hands of the Brazilian players, the Cercle Brugge player took up position behind them and proceeded to shake the hands of each and every member of his team, a bonding exercise that looked to have paid dividends until the South Americans edged the contest in extra time.

Mika falls short: The Portuguese keeper came within 19 minutes of eclipsing the tournament record of 634 minutes without conceding a goal, set by Brazil between 1985 and 1987. Oscar’s deflected fifth-minute opener in Bogota was the fastest goal in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final since Barkero put Spain on the road to victory against Japan at Nigeria 1999.

The stat

5 - The number of goals scored in Saturday’s final between Brazil and Portugal, the highest tally ever in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final one more than the previous highest number scored in the competition showpiece (at Tunisia 1977, Japan 1979, Australia 1981 and Nigeria 1999). Five is also the number of FIFA U-20 world titles A Seleçao have now won, one behind the tournament’s most successful nation, Argentina.

Up next

The next FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Turkey in 2013, while the next FIFA competition on the horizon is the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which begins in Ravenna, Italy, on 1 September.

Oscar treble wins thrilling final for Brazil

An Oscar hat-trick inspired Brazil to 3-2 comeback victory over Portugal in thrilling conclusion to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Iberians were just 12 minutes away from the title when the Internacional player's goal ensured the game went into extra time, and he then completed his treble to seal the deal.

The game got off to an electric start, with Brazil's Philippe Coutinho and Sana of Portugal showcasing some breathtaking footwork before the deadlock was briskly broken. Indeed, just four minutes were on the clock when Oscar's curling effort took a nick off Sergio Oliveira and went into the bottom corner of Mika's goal. It brought to an end, at 574 minutes, the Portugal goalkeeper's record sequence without conceding in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The pre-match consensus suggested that if Brazil went ahead, Portugal would be dead and buried. That theory was dead and buried just four minutes later, though. Nelson Oliveira broke down the right and crossed for Alex to head home the equaliser.

The South Americans had more of the ball and gave their opponents a few nervy moments thereafter. Danilo's low, rasping shot had Mika struggling, but the latter grabbed the ball at the second attempt, just before Willian arrived, while Oscar's goal-bound free-kick was headed over by Nuno Reis and Fernando's 30-yard strike went just over the crossbar. Ultimately, though, the teams went in at the break all square.

Brazil started the second half with Allan and Negueba on in place of Gabriel Silva and Willian, and they quickly found their rhythm. Danilo delightfully deceived one adversary on the right flank before galloping into the box, but Portugal were able to clear their lines. The Iberians then threatened through Sergio Oliveria, but Gabriel's handling proved up to the No17's fierce shot.

However, the Brazil No1 let himself down minutes later. Nelson Oliveira's shot from an extremely tight angle down the right slipped under the Cruzeiro player's body and put Portugal 2-1 up.

Nelson Oliveira proved himself to be far more than a goalscorer over the next ten minutes, relieving the pressure on his side, who were being dominated territorially, by chasing and winning lost causes. He almost put the result beyond doubt on 73 minutes, too, cutting inside Bruno Uvini but having his shot blocked by Gabriel.

Just as it looked as though Brazil were running out of ideas, though, they levelled the score. Dudu, Ney Franco's perennial super sub, dashed down the left and delivered a cross which Oscar turned home from close range.

It was all Brazil thereafter. Dudu produced one brilliant cross which Pele did well to blast away, while Oscar's crowd-pleasing back-heel set up Fernando, whose powerful strike went straight at Mika. It was on to extra time.

On 97 minutes Portugal had a gilt-edged chance to go in front. Caetano sprinted clear of the Brazil defence and faced Gabriel one-on-one. The diminutive substitute tried to chip the keeper, but the latter jumped smartly to deny him.

Brazil got the contest's fifth goal on 111 minutes. Oscar picked the ball up on the right, and his centre into the box lobbed Mika and nestled in the back of his net.

Brazil had won their fifth FIFA U-20 World Cup and South America had seized eight of the last ten trophies.

3:2MatchCastOverviewPlay-by-PlayQuotesSummaryReportStatisticsComments


3:2 a.e.t. (2:2, 1:1)

OSCAR (5' 78' 111')

ALEX (9')

NELSON OLIVEIRA (59')

Match 52 - Group Bogota

Estadio Nemesio Camacho 'El Campin'Referee: Mark GEIGER (USA)
 
Final


Brazil - Portugal3:2 a.e.t. (2:2, 1:1)Match Date Time Venue / Stadium Attendance

52 20 August 2011 20:00 Bogota / Estadio Nemesio Camacho 'El Campin' 36058

Match Officials

Referee

Mark GEIGER (USA) Assistant Referee 1

Mark HURD (USA)

Fourth Official

KIM Dong Jin (KOR) Assistant Referee 2

Joe FLETCHER (CAN)

Match Commissioner

Luis HERNÁNDEZ (CUB) Fifth Official

LEE Jungmin (KOR)

Goals scored

OSCAR (BRA) 5', ALEX (POR) 9', NELSON OLIVEIRA (POR) 59', OSCAR (BRA) 78', OSCAR (BRA) 111'

Brazil

Line-up

[1] GABRIEL (GK)

[2] DANILO

[3] BRUNO UVINI (C)

[4] JUAN JESUS

[5] FERNANDO

[8] CASEMIRO

[9] WILLIAN (-46' HT)

[10] PHILIPPE COUTINHO (-62')

[11] OSCAR

[16] GABRIEL SILVA (-46' HT)

[19] HENRIQUE

Substitute(s)

[12] CESAR (GK)

[21] ALEKSANDER (GK)

[6] ALEX SANDRO [A]

[7] DUDU (+62')

[13] FRAUCHES

[14] ALLAN (+46' HT)

[15] ROMARIO LEIRIA

[17] GALHARDO

[18] ALAN PATRICK

[20] NEGUEBA (+46' HT)

Coach

Ney FRANCO (BRA)Portugal

Line-up

[1] MIKA (GK)

[2] PELE

[4] NUNO REIS (C)

[5] RODERICK

[7] NELSON OLIVEIRA

[8] CEDRIC (-57')

[10] SANA (-100')

[14] ALEX (-82')

[15] DANILO

[17] SERGIO OLIVEIRA

[20] MARIO RUI

Substitute(s)

[12] TIAGO MAIA (GK)

[19] LUIS RIBEIRO (GK)

[3] TIAGO FERREIRA

[6] JULIO ALVES (+57')

[9] AMIDO BALDE

[11] CAETANO (+82')

[13] LUIS MARTINS

[16] SERGINHO

[18] RICARDO DIAS (+100')

[21] RAFAEL LOPES

Coach

Ilidio VALE (POR)Cautions

RODERICK (POR) 28', PELE (POR) 36', SERGIO OLIVEIRA (POR) 38', HENRIQUE (BRA) 45'+1, JUAN JESUS (BRA) 74', JULIO ALVES (POR) 85', SANA (POR) 88', NELSON OLIVEIRA (POR) 98'

Expulsions

Additional time

First Half: 1' Second Half: 3' First Extra Time: 1' Second Extra Time: 2'

Brazil (BRA) Statistics Portugal (POR)

21 Shots 18

13 Shots on goal 5

16 Fouls Committed 16

8 Corner kicks 3

3 Direct Free Kicks to Goal 2

0 Indirect Free Kicks to Goal 0

0 / 0 Penalty Kicks 0 / 0

2 Offsides 2

0 Own Goals 0

2 Cautions 6

0 Expulsions due to Second Caution 0

0 Direct Expulsions 0

51% Possession (%) 49%

41 Actual playing time 39

a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Yellow cards Pos: Positions A: Absent

Brazil-Portugal: Quotes

Ney Franco, Brazil coach

"For me personally, taking part in this competition has been a massive experience. We’ve felt right at home, whether it’s been in Barranquilla, Pereira or Bogota. As far as the match itself, we knew it’d be very difficult and that Portugal wouldn’t just roll over. It was a very tough and interesting game. But even when we went behind, we were able to battle back and ended up scoring three goals against a team that hadn’t conceded any beforehand. I’m very happy to see Henrique take the award, but I'm surprised that Oscar wasn’t voted the tournament’s best player. We’ve followed the same tactics throughout and it’s worked for us, by adopting a more physical approach in the first half and using our skilful players to tip the balance in our favour. We did experience a bit of a drop in tempo, but that’s to be expected when you play seven matches at a World Cup. This fifth (U-20) title is a great triumph for our country, and takes us level (on five world titles) with the senior side."

Ilidio Vale, Portugal coach

"We have to congratulate the Portuguese players because they’ve had a brilliant World Cup. My team weren’t the favourites, but they didn’t show any fear in any of their games. The result of this match was shaped by the players’ physical condition. I had three players who were exhausted, but I was forced to bring off other lads instead. This was a great match between two excellent teams, the best sides in the competition, and had a worthy winner. It was a very intense encounter, a real final. In my view, playing at altitude didn’t seem to have too much of an impact. What's more, we had several opportunities to win the match in normal time and another huge chance to score in extra time, but we weren’t able to put them away. Brazil also seemed to be struggling physically. Once again we were very organised defensively, but we proved we know how to attack too. This tournament has unearthed several Portuguese players, such as Mika, Danilo and Nelson Oliveira. It has proved that Portugal have some talented players for the future."

Henrique chalks up individual double

In a dramatic final at El Campin in the Colombian capital Bogota, Brazil claimed the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the fifth time with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Portugal. The South Americans’ thrilling triumph owed much to a host of outstanding individuals, none more so than Henrique, who duly collected the adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot as the tournament’s best player and top scorer. Players from gallant runners-up Portugal were also recognised for thier unexpected run to final: Nelson Oliveira won the adidas Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player, and Mika was named best keeper. FIFA.com reviews the roll of honour.

adidas Golden Ball: Henrique (Brazil)

Henrique was deservedly named best player after contributing five vital goals to the South Americans’ fifth triumph at U-20 level. In fact, the Sao Paulo striker was not an automatic pick at the start of the tournament, coming on for Willian as an 80th-minute sub in Brazil’s opening match against Egypt. Even in the short time remaining, the 20-year-old did enough to persuade coach Ney Franco to start with him from then on. The striker immediately repaid the coach’s faith with his side’s opening goal in their second match against Austria, and four more were to follow in the course of the finals.

adidas Silver Ball: Nelson Oliveira (Portugal)

The lightning-quick forward was one of Portugal’s most influential players, as the unfancied Europeans stormed to a terrific success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011. He scored four of his team’s goals, and had a hand in both goals in the final as his side came agonisingly close to a shock victory. His pacy thrust initially set up Alex to level the scores, before he personally stepped in to put his side 2-1 up, scoring from an almost impossibly tight angle. The award recognises his increasingly crucial contribution as the tournament went on, as his goals propelled the Portuguese to a place in the final itself.

adidas Bronze Ball: Jorge Enriquez (Mexico)

Jorge Enriquez was the undisputed leader and decision-maker for the Mexicans in Colombia, spearheading his team’s drive to a fine third-place finish, and appearing in all El Tri’s seven matches up to and including the match for third-place in Bogota. Enriquez scored his personal best goal of the finals in that match to set the seal on a highly promising performance at the 2011 finals. The 20-year-old Guadalajara midfielder, arguably the best of a very good bunch of Mexican juniors at the present time, also made his maiden appearances for the senior national team at this summer’s Copa America in Argentina.

adidas Golden Glove: Mika

The FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) recognised Portuguese keeper Mika’s consistent brilliance in Colombia with the adidas Golden Glove as best goalkeeper. The 1.84m Leiria shot-stopper did not concede a single goal in normal or extra time until the fifth minute of the final against Brazil, when a run of 585 minutes without a goal against came to an end. Nevertheless, Mika was one of the outstanding individuals in Portugal’s run to the runners-up spot.

adidas Golden Boot: Henrique (Brazil/5 goals, 3 assists)

Brazil emerged as the tournament’s premier attacking force with a total of 18 goals. Five of those came from Henrique, who also set up another three for team-mates, a performance good enough to secure the adidas Golden Boot as the top scorer in Colombia. His two goals in the semi-final against Mexico were the most important of all, as he single-handedly saw his side through to the final, but he had already hit the target against Austria and Panama at the group stage, and added another in a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16.

adidas Silver Boot: Alvaro Vazquez (Spain/ 5 goals, 2 assists)

Alvaro Vazquez hit the headlines in Spain’s commanding victory over Australia, scoring a first-half hat-trick as his team went on to win a Group C encounter 5-1. The last of his five goals came in the quarter-final meeting with Brazil, as he levelled the scores at 2-2 in the 102nd minute. However, the striker’s joy would turn to sorrow just a short time later: it was he who missed the decisive spot-kick as his side were eliminated on penalties.

adidas Bronze Boot: Alexandre Lacazette (France/ 5 goals, 1 assist)

France sharp-shooter Alexandre Lacazette emerged as the tournament’s super sub, scoring three times after coming off the bench. The Olympique Lyon man’s goals were generally important ones too. His strikes against Korea Republic and Mali effectively settled the outcome in favour of the French, and the 20-year-old was the match-winner against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, contributing a brace to the 3-2 win which sent the Europeans through to the last four. Lacazette also netted his side’s only goal in the 3-1 defeat to Mexico in the third-place play-off, taking his personal tally to five for the tournament.

FIFA Fair Play Award: Nigeria

Nigeria’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals, but a very good team deservedly earned a couple of mentions in the roll of honour. The Africans earned plaudits for their uninhibited attacking approach and finished second-highest scorers with 15 goals in their five matches. Even more impressively, they collected a mere three yellow cards and were thus the fairest team at the FIFA U-20-World Cup by some distance.

Henrique: The reward for all my efforts

FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for Brazil’s Henrique. Having begun the competition on the bench, he had earned a starting berth by his side’s second game and went on to help A Seleção lift the trophy and bag the two most coveted individual awards in the process.

Indeed, clutching his winners’ medal, the adidas Golden Ball for the competition’s best player and the adidas Golden Boot as its top scorer, the Sao Paulo attacker seemed to be struggling to carry them all when he stopped to chat to FIFA.com on leaving the Estadio Nemesio Camacho 'El Campin' in Bogota. Among the topics discussed wth Brazil’s golden boy were his path to glory here in Colombia, his most memorable moments and goals at this competition, the knock he picked up in the Round of 16 and praise for team-mate Oscar – the star of the show in the 3-2 final win over Portugal.

You’ve picked up three pieces of silverware in a matter of minutes. Can you even begin to describe what’s gone through your head tonight?

Henrique: It’s so exciting to be able to lift all these trophies, as well as being chosen as the best player at a competition like this and finishing top scorer too. It’s a very difficult feat. But I’d like to say that being crowned champions mattered more than anything else. Of course these individual awards are brilliant, but I came here to help the team towards their overall objective. Without this fantastic squad I wouldn’t have won anything.

You began the competition on the bench before breaking into the starting XI and playing a decisive role in the latter stages. Did you expect things to pan out like that?

You’re right, I only came off the bench late on in that opening game against Egypt. But of course this is how I really wanted things to go here, and coach Ney Franco showed a lot of faith in me from the start. He started me in our second game and I improved as the competition went on, as well as being fortunate enough to score goals against Panama, Austria, Saudi Arabia and then two against Mexico, which were decisive. I didn’t find the net today, but that’s just football.

You also suffered a serious scare when taking a knock in the game against Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16. How did you recover in time for the match against Spain in the last eight?

I had to fight really hard. Only the people here know how tough I had it. I didn’t just injure my arm, I hurt my thigh and my ankle too. I had to take injections and get treatment morning and night, because there were real doubts about me being able to play. Strikers always end up going through the mill, taking a lot of hits. Fortunately, and thanks to a lot of help from the medical staff, I managed to recover. I’m really pleased because I’ve been rewarded for all the effort I put in.

The match against Portugal was a really hard-fought affair wasn’t it?

It was very difficult. They played with a four-man backline plus two powerful defensive midfielders. They had six players who barely left their own half, so it was very difficult to pass the ball through the middle of them. I found it quite tough going too. I did get the chance to grab a goal late on but Mika, who’s an excellent keeper, ended up making the save. Fortunately everything turned out ok in the end.

How much does this title mean to you in terms of your career?

It means a great deal. I’m still young and it’s an incredible experience to win important awards like these, as well as being crowned champions of the biggest tournament for our age group. I won’t forget this final either, because we took the lead, they turned the scoreline on its head and then we came back again to win. It was very tough, but we’re proud of what we achieved. And it’s not long until the Olympics. All of us here are young enough to be involved and we’re going to keep a close eye on things. We’re hoping to be there, and why not?

You made a clean sweep of the prizes available tonight, but if you had to nominate another player for the adidas Golden Ball who would you choose?

I think I’d choose Oscar. He’s had an excellent tournament. He’s really helped the team, even though he’s played out of position, and has tracked back as well as attacked. And he supplied loads of assists, five maybe six, I don’t know. Today he got goals too. I think that he deserved the award just as much as I did. I’ve known him since youth level and the way he played here is what people can expect from him.

How were the post-title celebrations and what’s the trip back to Brazil going to be like?

Right now we’re just enjoying ourselves and having a big party (laughs). We had a big celebration in the dressing room, we’ll keep celebrating in the hotel and on the plane home and, once we’re back, we’ve already arranged a barbecue for everyone here so we can continue to savour this.

Cometh the hour, cometh the Oscar


Football is, to Brazilians, an obsession that is deeply ingrained in everyday life. So, when a Seleção crashed out of the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals last year, Brazilians were devastated. And when they missed all four of their penalties in a last-eight shoot-out defeat in the recent Copa America, they felt humiliated. Not even a handsomely hyped U-17 cast could relieve the sombre mood attached to the team in the canary-yellow shirts, losing 3-0 to Uruguay in a semi-final they were expected to walk last month.

Brazilian football desperately craved a lift. It was one hurdle away from receiving one heading into the FIFA U-20 World Cup final. Seventy-eight minutes into that match, having fallen behind after Oscar's deflected opener, they trailed 2-1 to Portugal. Brazil needed a hero. They found one. Oscar equalised to take an enthralling contest into extra time, before making it 3-2 to Brazil with 111 minutes on the clock. And that's how it finished, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in an U-20 World Cup final.

“It's an incredible moment in my life,” Oscar told FIFA.com. “To win the World Cup and to score the goals that did it is just indescribable. I believe I've had a really good World Cup, but the goals weren't going in for me and that gets you a lot of recognition. It was difficult for me because I have been playing through an injury for the last four matches. But today I managed to produce that defining performance, to play well and to score, so I'm very happy.”

“There was enormous emotion in the dressing room. Obviously our dream was close to being over, so that adds to it. We're really happy we managed to come back and give some joy to the Brazilian people. With the World Cup and the Copa America [disappointments], it's been a difficult year for Brazilian football. This title will give us a lift as we build towards 2014.”

Fortunately Oscar came to our rescue. There are no words to describe his performance. He's been outstanding for us all tournament.Danilo

Danilo, who was called into the senior Brazil squad earlier in the week, concurred with his team-mate: “Brazilian football was suffering. We've had some really difficult moments over the last year or so. Football is everything in Brazil, and nothing short of [winning a tournament] is close to being good enough.

“We came here really wanting to bring happiness back to the people. We've managed to do so, and hopefully the senior side will be able to build on this. These past few days have been the best of my life. To get called up by Mano Menezes and then to win the U-20 World Cup is just amazing.

“Our victory is a real achievement. We were 2-1 down, there was little time remaining, and Portugal are very difficult to score against. But fortunately for us Oscar came to our rescue. There are no words to describe his performance.

“He's been outstanding for us all tournament. Henrique's had a brilliant tournament too, and scored five goals, but without wanting to take anything away from him I think Oscar has been the best player of the whole tournament.”

Brazil captain Bruno Uvini added: “[Oscar's] an incredible passer, but I've always seen him scoring lots of goals. It took a while for him to score in this competition, but I think he saved them all for the final. He was wonderful in this tournament, he really deserves congratulating. He deserved the Golden Ball, him and Henrique.”

And not even the prestigious award's recipient begged to differ. When asked who he thought deserved the prestigious award, Henrique responded: “I think I would choose Oscar, who had an excellent tournament. He helped the team a lot, playing in an unaccustomed position. He marked well, he got forward. He made a lot of assists, and scored the goals in the final which not anybody could have done. I think he deserved the [adidas Golden Ball] as much as I did.”

And while that Golden Ball will forever remain the property of Henrique, 20 August 2011 will eternally belong to Oscar.

Portugal staged an incredible recovery during a shoot-out to eliminate Argentina and reach the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. After 120 goalless minutes, the Iberians trailed 3-1 on penalties, meaning they needed convert their last two attempts and hope the South Americans missed theirs just to take it to sudden death. And that is exactly what happened thanks to the reflexes of Mika, who went on to save his third penalty and clinch a 5-4 victory for Portugal.

It was a breathtaking conclusion to what had been a dull evening in Cartagena. It began with Nelson Oliveira having two half-chances with which he failed to please the pro-Portugal crowd in the opening ten minutes. First, he shot two yards wide after racing on to a long ball, and then he turned swiftly inside the box but failed to keep his low drive on target.

Ilidio Vale's side had a much better opportunity on 16 minutes. A long ball split the Argentina defence, and Caetano outsprinted his markers to reach it. The No11 carried it into the area and unleashed a powerful shot, which was heading into the roof of the net until Esteban Andrada acrobatically pushed it over.

Argentina threatened moments later. From a free-kick just outside the box, Erik Lamela curled the ball narrowly over the bar, much to the relief of goalkeeper Mika.

Portugal had the better of the player during the remainder of the period, but Sergio Oliveira, Luis Martins, Danilo and Caetano were all let down by their finishing.

Soon after the restart, Facundo Ferreyra, sliding it at the back post, was just inches away from connecting with a Lamela free-kick. It was to be the No9's last involvement, with Juan Iturbe coming on in his place on the hour.

Almost instantly, the diminutive playmaker had contributed to Mika having two dodgy moments.

Iturbe skipped past an opponent and though his shot from the edge of the box went straight towards the Portugal No1, he fumbled it before it dropped wide for a corner. Mika then flapped at a cross from the Porto player, but got away with conceding a corner.

Andrada was then twice responsible for keeping the deadlock intact, saving superbly from a Sergio Oliveira free-kick before repelling a Nelson Oliveira piledriver.

There was very little action thereafter, with Argentina having the better of the possession but failing to get enough men in their opponents' box. In injury time, though, Nicolas Tagliafico tricked his way past three adversaries and into the Portugal area, but his shot from a mightily tight angle was easily gathered by Mika.

Extra time was largely void of action, with both sides evidently exhausted. And when Danilo and Roderick misses gave Argentina a two-goal cushion in the shoot-out, it appeared the six-time champions were on their away into the last four. Mika nevertheless denied Gonzalez Pires and Ruiz to help take it into sudden death, and after Sergio scored, the Portugal No1 flung himself to his right to repel Tagliafico's effort.

Argentina's quest for a seventh FIFA U-20 World Cup title was over. Portugal's mission for a third will continue on Wednesday against the France-Nigeria victors in Medellin.

U-20 SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Portugal end Guatemalan dreams 1-0

Portugal edged their way into the last eight with a hard-fought 1-0 victory that ended the ground-breaking run of Guatemala.

A slice of history was set to be made regardless of the victor with Portugal aiming to move beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since 1995, while Guatemala were seeking to continue their run having already gone further than any of their compatriots.

As it was, a lone penalty just seven minutes into the contest was enough to separate the teams. Nelson Oliveira cracked home his second goal of the tournament, after Cedric was needlessly brought down in the corner of the penalty area.

Portugal spurned a great chance to double their lead on 18 minutes but Caetano fired wide despite finding himself alone in the penalty area after an assist from Alex.

The Central Americans, having been under pressure, had their real shot soon after with right defender Jose Andrade attempting to curl the ball home only to see his effort clear the crossbar.

Portugal enjoyed far greater possession, but, as in previous matches, struggled to create gilt-edged openings.

On the stroke of half-time Portugal captain Nuno Reis leapt high and delivered a dangerous header that forced Roberto Padilla into a smart save.

Guatemala, knowing their tournament aspirations were on the line, started the second half in positive fashion and Jose Melgar forced Mika into an important save.

Portugal though soon had good openings of their own with firstly, Tiago Ferreira’s header going narrowly wide, and then Caetano pushing his effort wide after getting the better of his marker.

The dangerous Melgar was at it again for the Central Americans, twice hitting efforts close to Mika’s goal to rouse the locals into support of the underdog.

Seven minutes from full time came the moment for the Guatemalans. Only a stunning save from Mika denied Gabriel Navas who got on the end of a corner.

Incredibly, the Guatemalans were then denied by the width of the post when Kevin Norales’ free-kick was kept out by the woodwork, in what proved the final chance in a heroic campaign by the Central Americans.

1:0 (1:0)


NELSON OLIVEIRA (7' PEN)

Match 38 - Group Cali

Pascual GuerreroReferee: Djamel HAIMOUDI

 

Round of 16

Portugal - Guatemala1:0 (1:0)Match Date Time Venue / Stadium Attendance

38 09 August 2011 17:00 Cali / Pascual Guerrero 33294



Match Officials

Referee

Djamel HAIMOUDI (ALG) Assistant Referee 1

Foaad EL MAGHRABI (LBY)

Fourth Official

Noumandiez DOUE (CIV) Assistant Referee 2

Ayman DEGAISH (EGY)

Match Commissioner

Dominique MAESTRACCI (CAN)



Goals scored

NELSON OLIVEIRA (POR) 7' Penalty goal

Portugal

Line-up

[1] MIKA (GK)

[3] TIAGO FERREIRA

[4] NUNO REIS (C)

[7] NELSON OLIVEIRA

[8] CEDRIC

[11] CAETANO [Y] (-90')

[14] ALEX [Y] (-86')

[15] DANILO

[17] SERGIO OLIVEIRA

[18] RICARDO DIAS (-46' HT)

[20] MARIO RUI [Y]

Substitute(s)

[12] TIAGO MAIA (GK)

[19] LUIS RIBEIRO (GK)

[2] PELE (+46' HT)

[5] RODERICK (+90')

[6] JULIO ALVES

[9] AMIDO BALDE

[10] SANA [Y]

[13] LUIS MARTINS [Y]

[16] SERGINHO

[21] RAFAEL LOPES (+86')

Coach

Ilidio VALE (POR)Guatemala

Line-up

[1] Roberto PADILLA (GK)

[2] Jose ANDRADE

[3] Manuel MORENO

[4] Willian RAMIREZ [Y]

[5] Elias VASQUEZ (C) [Y]

[6] Jose DEL AGUILA [Y]

[7] Marvin CEBALLOS [Y]

[8] Jose CASTILLO

[14] Jose LEMUS [Y] (-24')

[16] Cristian LIMA (-56')

[20] Gerson LIMA (-37')

Substitute(s)

[12] Jose MORALES (GK)

[21] Jose GARCIA (GK) [I]

[9] Henry LOPEZ [I]

[10] Kevin NORALES (+56')

[11] Gabriel NAVAS [Y] (+37')

[13] Jose MELGAR (+24')

[15] Sixto BETANCOURT [I]

[17] Marco RIVAS [Y]

[18] Abner BONILLA [I]

[19] Walter ARRIOLA

Coach

Ever ALMEIDA (PAR)Cautions

MARIO RUI (POR) 30', ALEX (POR) 45'+3, CEDRIC (POR) 88'

Expulsions

Additional time

First Half: 3' Second Half: 5'

Portugal (POR) Statistics Guatemala (GUA)

14 Shots 17

2 Shots on goal 2

23 Fouls Committed 18

8 Corner kicks 2

0 Direct Free Kicks to Goal 1

0 Indirect Free Kicks to Goal 0

1 / 1 Penalty Kicks 0 / 0

3 Offsides 0

0 Own Goals 0

3 Cautions 0

0 Expulsions due to Second Caution 0

0 Direct Expulsions 0

60% Possession (%) 40%

33 Actual playing time 22



a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Yellow cards Pos: Positions A: Absent

POR-GUA: Quotes

Ever Almeida, Guatemala coach

It’s a pity to lose with a penalty in the beginning, it wasn’t what we expected. And we leave with a strange feeling, because we conceded a lot of goals in two very difficult matches. But, today, we were applauded when we lost and it was fair. We showed good football, that we deserved to be here and that we have good potential. I really don't think we deserved to lose. In the end, it was not even a matter of levelling the match, but not losing, because we played well. We are very happy with the way the supporters motivated us, but we want to come back one day and receive the same applause for even more, for a great victory for example.

Ilidio Vale, Portugal coach

We have mixed feelings. We are happy to go through, but unhappy with the way we played. We made more mistakes than we were expecting. We had the responsibility to go into attack, but, mainly in the second half, my players weren’t following my instructions. And I also think that my players weren’t humble enough. On the other hand, I don’t think Guatemala played a good match or did enough to win against us. They were only crossing the ball and that’s it. But I respect the way they play, as I respect Argentina. We fear no one and we are ready to keep playing and going through. But we definitely have to improve, correct some errors and be more competitive.

FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011: A lone goal from striker Nelson Oliveira was enough for Portugal to edge an important 1-0 victory over Cameroon

Portugal edge Cameroon to take ascendency

A lone goal from striker Nelson Oliveira was enough for Portugal to edge an important 1-0 victory over Cameroon and take the lead at the top of the Group B standings as the first team to collect three points after two rounds of matches.

Portugal created numerous goalscoring opportunities but were unable to build upon Oliveira’s 19th minute strike. Nevertheless the win, combined with New Zealand’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay, left Portugal on four points, two clear all three group opponents.

Just on the quarter-hour mark Oliveira showed a sign of his attacking threat with a header that narrowly failed to open the scoring following a cross from Cateano.

Cameroon however failed to thwart the threat of the Benfica man and the Africans, unable to deal with a long ball from defence, could only watch as Oliveira, alone in the penalty area, finished smartly with a lob over the goalkeeper.

Oliveira was at once again on 30 minutes but this time he blasted wide following another good Portuguese team move.

The Europeans spurned a wonderful opportunity to extend their lead five minutes before the interval as Pele received possession in the penalty area only to miscue his effort, with two unmarked team-mates pleading for the ball.

Cameroon commenced the second half with renewed purpose and dominated early possession without creating gilt-edged openings, although Frank Ohandza saw a dangerous effort well blocked.

Portugal nearly caught out their opponents on the counter attack, with Oliveira again at the fore, displaying good skills in dribbling past two defenders only for his shot to be blocked.

Cameroon’s Yazid Atouba then fired from distance with Mika making an impressive stop. However, any hopes of a Cameroon revival ended with a red card for Ghislain Mvom for kicking Caetano.

ing Caetano.

Group A

Match Date - Time Venue Results

7 30/07 18:00 Bogota



Mali

0:2 (0:0)

Korea Republic




8 30/07 21:00 Bogota



Colombia

4:1 (1:1)

France




19 02/08 17:00 Bogota



France

3:1 (1:0)

Korea Republic




20 02/08 20:00 Bogota



Colombia

2:0 (1:0)

Mali




30 05/08 20:00 Cali



France

- Mali




32 05/08 20:00 Bogota



Colombia

Preview

Korea Republic




Group B

Match Date - Time Venue Results

5 30/07 17:00 Cali



Cameroon

1:1 (1:1)

New Zealand




6 30/07 20:00 Cali



Portugal

0:0

Uruguay




17 02/08 17:00 Cali



Uruguay

1:1 (0:0)

New Zealand




18 02/08 20:00 Cali



Portugal

1:0 (1:0)

Cameroon




29 05/08 17:00 Cali



Portugal

Preview

New Zealand




31 05/08 17:00 Bogota



Uruguay

Preview

Cameroon




Group C

Match Date - Time Venue Results

11 31/07 15:00 Manizales



Costa Rica

1:4 (0:1)

Spain




12 31/07 18:00 Manizales



Australia

1:1 (0:1)

Ecuador




23 03/08 17:00 Manizales



Ecuador

0:2 (0:0)

Spain




24 03/08 20:00 Manizales



Australia

2:3 (1:2)

Costa Rica




33 06/08 17:00 Pereira



Ecuador

- Costa Rica




36 06/08 17:00 Manizales



Australia

- Spain




Group D

Match Date - Time Venue Results

9 31/07 15:00 Armenia



Nigeria

5:0 (2:0)

Guatemala




10 31/07 18:00 Armenia



Croatia

0:2 (0:0)

Saudi Arabia




21 03/08 17:00 Armenia



Saudi Arabia

6:0 (2:0)

Guatemala




22 03/08 20:00 Armenia



Croatia

2:5 (1:2)

Nigeria




34 06/08 20:00 Pereira



Saudi Arabia

- Nigeria




35 06/08 20:00 Armenia



Croatia

- Guatemala




Group E

Match Date - Time Venue Results

1 29/07 21:00 Barranquilla



Brazil

1:1 (1:1)

Egypt




2 29/07 17:30 Cartagena



Austria

0:0

Panama




13 01/08 17:00 Barranquilla



Egypt

1:0 (0:0)

Panama




14 01/08 20:00 Barranquilla



Brazil

3:0 (1:0)

Austria




25 04/08 20:00 Barranquilla



Brazil

Preview

Panama




27 04/08 20:00 Cartagena



Egypt

Preview

Austria




Group F

Match Date - Time Venue Results

3 29/07 14:30 Medellin



England

0:0

Korea DPR




4 29/07 17:30 Medellin



Argentina

1:0 (0:0)

Mexico




15 01/08 17:00 Medellin



Mexico

3:0 (1:0)

Korea DPR




16 01/08 20:00 Medellin



Argentina

0:0

England




26 04/08 17:00 Cartagena



Mexico

Preview

England




28 04/08 17:00 Medellin



Argentina

Preview

Korea DPR

FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011: Cameroon, Uruguay chase certain progress

In an evenly contested Group B at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, Uruguay and Cameroon both need a win in their final group meeting in Bogota to guarantee a Round of 16 berth without depending on other results. The South Americans would also progress with a third consecutive draw, provided Portugal beat New Zealand in the section’s other match, though La Celeste will surely not want to take that risk.

The match

Uruguay-Cameroon, Bogota, Friday 5 August 17.00 (local time)

The stakes

Though Uruguay were satisfied with a draw against the Portuguese after a below-par display, the same result against the Kiwis in their second game was a painful blow for coach Juan Verzeri and his charges. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of the goalscoring chances, Los Charrúas found themselves trailing and required a 74th-minute equaliser from Adrian Luna who, after missing their opening game through suspension, breathed new life into their attacking play. In Friday’s clash at altitude in Bogota, the Uruguayans must find more spark in front of goal, a failing that dogged them even when finishing runners-up at this year’s South American U-20 Championship.

Facing them are the team currently in bottom place in the group and who have so far been unable to reproduce the form that took them to second place in the CAF African Youth Championship 2011. Short on creativity against both New Zealand and Portugal, Cameroon also contrived to commit glaring defensive errors that fatally undermined their chances. Visibly dejected on their way back to their hotel after the Portugal defeat, the Young Lions’ players openly admitted the need for a big improvement if they are to make the knockout stages.

The stat

50 – The match against New Zealand was Uruguay’s 50th at the finals of FIFA U-20 World Cups, a tally bettered by only Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Australia. They have won 23 of those encounters and scored a total of 68 goals.

The words

Diego Polenta, Uruguay captain: “We deserved to beat New Zealand. We had 18 shots at goal and they only had two or three chances. But our fate’s still in our hands. If we beat Cameroon, which will be extra tough because we’ll be playing at altitude in Bogota, we’ll be in the last 16.”

Franck Ohandza, Cameroon forward: “Of course that wasn’t the result we were hoping for. Portugal were very compact and once we went a man down it became even more difficult. We need to analyse our performances, look at the mistakes we’ve made and try and improve. We need a win, it doesn’t matter how we get it.”

Uruguay left to rue Marinovic brilliance : 1-1 to New Zealand

In a thrilling Group B encounter, New Zealand held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw, with an inspired performance from Kiwi goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic thwarting a strong attacking display from the South Americans in Cali.

In a group starved of goals, it appeared as if Uruguay would be the first to break open the drought as they successively hammered Marinovic’s net throughout the first half. But it was New Zealand, who snatched the lead after the break through Andrew Bevin before Adrian Luna rescued a draw for the Uruguayans.

Uruguay were sparked by the return of Luna, and on 14 minutes, the midfielder showed his first bit of offensive prowess. The No7 beat Nick Branch to a chipped ball from Matias Vecino, but his proceeding shot lacked power.

La Celeste were knocking on the door, and were narrowly denied again after a long-range throw-in from Leandro Cabrera. Cesar Texeira flicked the throw-in on to Angel Cayetano at the far post, but Marinovic quickly denied the No5.

The keeper was becoming a thorn in the Uruguayans’ sides. From the left flank, Luna served in a free-kick into the area, but Cabrera, who was within a whisker of connecting, saw Marinovic punch away the chance. New Zealand rarely had an opportunity, and on 37 minutes Marco Rojas fired a free-kick keeper Salvador Izacho had no trouble handling.

At the other end, Vecino hit a bending cross that deflected off the crossbar directly onto the feet of Cepellini, who found Texeira all alone in the area. Texeira one-timed the chance, but Marinovic pulled off an incredible and unlikely save. And, the Uruguayans would go into the break empty-handed, after an outstanding rising shot from Polenta found its way into New Zealand’s net, only to learn the referee had already whistled for a foul in the area.

New Zealand came out firing in the second half, certainly lifted by their first-half survival. The Kiwis were dangerous on the counter, and to the South Americans shock, took the lead on 57 minutes. With a diving header, Andrew Bevin gave New Zealand hope, after Marco Rojas had done well to cross into the area.

Despite more possession for the Uruguayans, Dakota Lucas gave the South Americans a few more scares. Uruguay finally got the goal they deserved, though, in the 74th minute through playmaker Luna. After a brilliant bit of passing between Texeira and Luna, the No7 snuck a crosswise shot past Marinovic. La Celeste searched for the elusive game-winner, and Luna found Vecino in the box, but the chance was denied by Marinovic's left foot.

Uruguay ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils, and will be made to work for progression as they face Cameroon in their final group match on 5 August. New Zealand will also be chasing their Round of 16 chance the same day against Portugal.

Cameroonian mix-up gifts Kiwis a point

Cameroon had 61 per cent of the possession and registered 23 shots, but an own-goal ultimately cost them victory over New Zealand in their Group B opener. Christ Mbondi fired the Indomitable Lions ahead on 32 minutes, before Serge Tchaha headed the ball into the wrong net soon afterwards.

The game got off to a slow start, with Kiwi defender Andrew Bevin heading the only chance of the opening exchanges narrowly wide. Cameroon came mightily close to taking the lead on 21 minutes. Yazid Atouba did brilliantly to tee up Franck Ohandza, but the latter's close-range shot was denied by the post.

Martin Ndtoungou's team were not to be denied just past the half-hour mark, though. Ohandza raced into the box and was brought down by New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. Mbondi's resulting spot-kick was saved, but the forward made amends by slotting home the rebound.

A Cameroonian also scored the second goal of the match. He did it, however, at the wrong end. Tchaha attempted to head a long ball back to his keeper, but the ball wrong-footed Jean Efala and dropped into his net.

Cameroon, as they had done in the first half, took control of the game following the restart. Two half-chances ensued, both headers from corners, within the first ten minutes, with Banana Yaya spurning the first and Ohandza the second.

It was one-way traffic and on 73 minutes Ohandza came very close to scoring, but his shot drifted just wide.

Mbondi did superbly to trick two opponents and work his way into the New Zealand box in the closing minutes, but his shot went straight into the arms of Marinovic. It proved the last chance of the game and when the final whistle blew, the players' reactions told the picture: the Kiwis congratulating one another; the Cameroonians sinking miserably on to the turf.

The two teams will return to action in the same venue on Tuesday, when New Zealand take on Uruguay and Cameroon face Portugal.

Portugal, Uruguay finish up goalless

Portugal and Uruguay played out the fifth draw in seven matches at this FIFA U-20 World Cup. Wasteful finishing existing throughout a goalless encounter, which left all four teams on one point in Group B, following Cameroon's 1-1 tie with New Zealand earlier today.

With Uruguay missing the influential Adrian Luna, the first half was largely void of goal-mouth action, with a number of fouls and misplaced passes.

Nelson Oliveira did animate the Portuguese supporters on 31 minutes, teasing his way past two opponents before firing just over the bar.

The second half was a different story. It took just seven minutes for Celeste captain Diego Polenta to unleash a stunning thunderbolt, which crashed back off the post.

The woodwork then denied a delightful free-kick from Oliveria, who should have done better than direct a free header straight at goalkeeper Ichazo moments later.

Portugal No1 Mika then pulled off a superb reflex save to keep out a Ramon Arias header.

Sergio Oliveira received a second yellow card with 11 minutes remaining, but despite being at a numerical disadvantage, the Europeans continued to probe for a goal. They didn't get it, however, leaving the pool wide open.


Portugal edge Cameroon to take ascendency

A lone goal from striker Nelson Oliveira was enough for Portugal to edge an important 1-0 victory over Cameroon and take the lead at the top of the Group B standings as the first team to collect three points after two rounds of matches.

Portugal created numerous goalscoring opportunities but were unable to build upon Oliveira’s 19th minute strike. Nevertheless the win, combined with New Zealand’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay, left Portugal on four points, two clear all three group opponents.

Just on the quarter-hour mark Oliveira showed a sign of his attacking threat with a header that narrowly failed to open the scoring following a cross from Cateano.

Cameroon however failed to thwart the threat of the Benfica man and the Africans, unable to deal with a long ball from defence, could only watch as Oliveira, alone in the penalty area, finished smartly with a lob over the goalkeeper.

Oliveira was at once again on 30 minutes but this time he blasted wide following another good Portuguese team move.

The Europeans spurned a wonderful opportunity to extend their lead five minutes before the interval as Pele received possession in the penalty area only to miscue his effort, with two unmarked team-mates pleading for the ball.

Cameroon commenced the second half with renewed purpose and dominated early possession without creating gilt-edged openings, although Frank Ohandza saw a dangerous effort well blocked.

Portugal nearly caught out their opponents on the counter attack, with Oliveira again at the fore, displaying good skills in dribbling past two defenders only for his shot to be blocked.

Cameroon’s Yazid Atouba then fired from distance with Mika making an impressive stop. However, any hopes of a Cameroon revival ended with a red card for Ghislain Mvom for kicking Caetano.

FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011: Uruguay and Portugal goalless; Korea Republic sink misfiring Mali

 

Korea Republic hit the ground running at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Mali in Bogota. Kim Kyung Jung and Jang Hyun Soo got the goals for the Asians, who improved their chances of progressing from a highly competitive Group A.

Rain may have delayed kick-off for an hour, but Korea Republic quickly got down to business thereafter, with Lee Ki Je curling in a fierce free-kick from 40 metres which goalkeeper Cheick Abdul Cadry Sy tipped over the bar. Mali quickly found themselves on the counter, and Amara Malle fired a shot from inside the area, but Yang Han Been punched it away.

Lee again proved to be the South Koreans best threat with a curling free-kick on 12 minutes, but this time his effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Despite those chances, the Asians were troubled consistently by Kalifa Coulibaly at the other end. The playmaker served in two successive chances for Cheick Fanta Mady Diarra and Malle respectively, but each of their chances were off target.

After the break, Korea Republic proved the side more content on breaking the deadlock. Five minutes after the restart, Kim Kyung Jung caught the end of a long-range throw-in from Rim Chang Woo inside the area, and from five metres had no trouble tapping it home.

With more convincing approach in the attack, the Asians had two more chances go begging as set-piece specialist Lee fired just wide of the post and Baek Sung Dong shot crosswise of the goal.

Mali were searching for an equaliser, but missed chances from Malle and Diarra would come to haunt the West Africans. After successive attempts from Malians, the Koreans put the game beyond doubt with a counter-attack on 80 minutes.

Baek Sung Dong dribbled down the right flank and was fouled in the area, drawing a penalty and Jang Hyun Soo made no mistake from the spot. The three points will be a welcomed cushion as Korea Republic prepare to face France on 2 August, while Mali hope to rebound against Colombia the same day.

Portugal, Uruguay finish up goalless

Portugal and Uruguay played out the fifth draw in seven matches at this FIFA U-20 World Cup. Wasteful finishing existing throughout a goalless encounter, which left all four teams on one point in Group B, following Cameroon's 1-1 tie with New Zealand earlier today.

With Uruguay missing the influential Adrian Luna, the first half was largely void of goal-mouth action, with a number of fouls and misplaced passes.

Nelson Oliveira did animate the Portuguese supporters on 31 minutes, teasing his way past two opponents before firing just over the bar.

The second half was a different story. It took just seven minutes for Celeste captain Diego Polenta to unleash a stunning thunderbolt, which crashed back off the post.

The woodwork then denied a delightful free-kick from Oliveria, who should have done better than direct a free header straight at goalkeeper Ichazo moments later.

Portugal No1 Mika then pulled off a superb reflex save to keep out a Ramon Arias header.

Sergio Oliveira received a second yellow card with 11 minutes remaining, but despite being at a numerical disadvantage, the Europeans continued to probe for a goal. They didn't get it, however, leaving the pool wide open.