10:03 / 15.11.2025

Play-off drama at the U-17 World Cup: The night when penalties became stars

The playoff stage of the World Junior Championship, taking place in Qatar, is very exciting and full of intense matches. In each match, the teams fought until the last minute, and the fate of some matches was decided by a lottery - a penalty shootout.

The day was opened by the confrontation between Portugal and Belgium. Portugal took the initiative from the start of the game, won with a score of 2:1 and qualified for the next stage. In the subsequent competitions, the intensity was high. In the clash between Zambia and Mali, the African teams demonstrated quick, physical football - Mali secured a convincing 3-1 victory.

In the match between Switzerland and Egypt, the Europeans prevailed. Switzerland took full control of the game, winning 3-1. France, however, tightly controlled the situation against Colombia and easily passed this stage with a score of 2:0.

One of the most dramatic matches of the day was the Argentina-Mexico match. The fiercely contested match ended with a score of 2:2. In the penalties, the Mexicans won and secured a spot in the next round.

The Ireland-Canada match also took place in a spirit of equality. As the regular time ended with a score of 1:1, the Celts won on penalties with a score of 9:8 and got the opportunity to continue their campaign in the competition.

Brazil, one of the regular favorites of the World Cup, worked hard to win against Paraguay. In the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, the Brazilians prevailed in the penalty shootout with a score of 5:4.

The US-Morocco match was no differently intense. In the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, the Americans won 4-3 on penalties.

World U-17 Championship. Playoff Results:

- Portugal - Belgium 2:1

- Zambia - Mali 1:3

- Switzerland - Egypt 3:1

- France - Colombia 2:0

- Argentina - Mexico 2:2 (pen: 4:5)

- Ireland - Canada 1:1 (pen: 9:8)

- Brazil - Paraguay 1:1 (pen: 5:4)

- USA - Morocco 1:1 (pen: 4:3)

This round of playoffs once again demonstrated how important the psychological preparation of young players is. In the next stage, there will undoubtedly be even bigger dramas, sharper approaches, and new characters.