FOOTBALL – QATAR’S passionate fans backed their team with ear-splitting noise from first minute to last, but Italy ultimately earned a hard-fought 1-0 win.
A fine first-half goal from Samuele Inacio proved decisive, with the striker finishing expertly from Benit Borasio’s inch-perfect through pass.
Qatar battled hard to get back into the game, but the Italians defended superbly to bank maximum points.
Japan opened a sixth straight U-17 World Cup with victory as they powered beyond Morocco by scoring two goals.
The Asian giants looked to have opened the scoring in the first half when Anthony Motosuna headed home, but he was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.
They wouldn’t be denied for long, though, as Hiroto Asada drove through the heart of the Morocco backline and set up Taiga Seguchi, who unleashed a terrific first-time effort into the far corner.
Minato Yoshida thought he’d netted a second soon after, only for play to be pulled back for handball. They would eventually make the game safe in the dying embers, with Daigo Hirashima rifling in from just inside the box.
“The players need to stop thinking about this defeat, even though it’s a tough one. We’ll make amends against Portugal. We have confidence in these players; they are capable of getting through this group,” said Morocco coach Nabi Baha.
Ten-player Costa Rica claimed a hard-fought draw against United Arab Emirates.
The game sparked into life just after the half-hour, as Isaac Badilla was sent off for a last-player tackle on Faysal Mohammed. UAE made use of their numerical advantage shortly after the break, as Mayed Adel bundled home a corner. That lead lasted barely three minutes, though, with Yerlan Sosa’s centre causing chaos in the UAE box, allowing Nick Bennette to lace home from just beyond the penalty spot.
“The team did very well, we managed to hold on despite being a man down and we’re ready to keep competing. The next match will be a close contest against Senegal, but we’ll compete well,” said Costa Rica goalscorer Nick Bennette.
Goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els earned 10-player South Africa a superb win over Bolivia.
Bafana Bafana were dealt a significant blow when Sive Pama was sent off midway through the first half, but Witbooi soon fired them in front before Bohloko added a second from close range. Bolivia pulled one back through Jesus Maraude’s Panenka-style penalty, but Shaun Els’ late breakaway effort put the result beyond doubt.
“When we were one man down, we still kept pushing each other. It’s all about teamwork. For me, it’s a dream come true to be here. I always wanted to reach this stage, and I am chasing my dreams,”said South Africa midfielder and player of the match Kamohelo Mareletse.
Defences were on top in this one, as Senegal and Croatia played out a goalless draw.
The Europeans dominated the first half and ought to have taken the lead deep into it. Patrik Horvat saw his shot from the edge of the area parried by Vincent Gomis straight to Jona Benkotic, who cleared the crossbar with the goal gaping.
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