The third round of matches at the World Junior Championships in Qatar has begun in high spirits. A number of national teams have already settled the issue of the next stage, while some countries are still competing for a place in the playoffs.
In Group A, the Italian youth team once again demonstrated their strength. They won the match against the Republic of South Africa 3-1. Thus, the Italians scored 9 points in the group and with a 100% result went to the next stage first.
Italy - South Africa 3:1
Goals: Inácio (4, 58), Arena (55) vs. Els (32).
In the second group match, Qatar drew 0-0 with Bolivia. With this result, the hosts have almost lost their chance to advance to the playoffs and are now hoping only for results in other groups.
Qatar - Bolivia 0:0
The biggest intrigue in Group B took place between Japan and Portugal. The Samurai defeated their opponents 2-1 with accurate shots in the second half and advanced to the next round as leaders. Portugal took second place with 6 points.
Portugal - Japan 1:2
Goals: Zeega (80) - Vaada (35), Seguichi (45).
In the second group match, Morocco scored a real goal against New Caledonia - 16:0. The African youths recorded one of the biggest scores in history with 80 shots and retained a chance to qualify for the playoffs among the best third-placed teams.
Morocco - New Caledonia 16:0
Goals: Sukrat (3), Ibn Salah (11, 18), Eddaoudi (41, 42), Hidaoui (44), Baha (45+2, 50), Al Halfioui (48), Haddani (56, 59), Uzane (73, 90+2), Andrew (76, own goal), Al Aud (80, 90)
In Group C, the Senegalese teenagers made their mark. They played a strong game, scoring 5 goals against the UAE. Sonko scored a hat-trick and became the main hero of his team.
UAE - Senegal 0:5
Goals: Sissé (14, penalty), Sonco (19, 41, 60), Mendy (74).
In the same group, Croatia also defeated Costa Rica 3-1 and qualified for the next stage with 7 points.
Croatia - Costa Rica 3:1
Goals: Rados (36), Kumar (55), Kusanovic (89) - Cordero (58).
In Group D, the South American giant Argentina showed a true masterclass in the match against Fiji. This match ended with a score of 7:0. Argentinian Ojeda scored a hat-trick, while Martinez and Silveira brought the team's score to perfection. Thus, Argentina took the lead in the group with 9 points and advanced to the playoffs.
Fiji - Argentina 0:7
Goals: Ojeda (17, 57, 88), Martinez (30, 44), Silveira (89), Fou (90+1, own goal).
Belgium secured second place with 6 points after beating Tunisia 2-0.
Belgium - Tunisia 2:0
Goals: Fernandes (1), Kamara (55).
So far, 8 teams have qualified for the next stage of the World Cup: Italy, Japan, Argentina, Senegal, USA, Portugal, Austria, and Brazil. The results of the remaining group matches are expected to further intensify the intrigue before the quarter-finals.
Every match in the Youth World Cup is filled not only with goals, but also with new names and future stars - this is what makes it even more significant.
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