Morocco's Ilyas Hidaoui (left) celebrates with teammate Bilal Soukrat after scoring his team's sixth goal. Pic: X/@EnMaroc
Doha: Qatar suffered a major setback in their bid to reach the Round of 32 after a goalless draw against Bolivia while Morocco recorded a 16-0 win over New Caledonia - the biggest victory in U-17 World Cup history.
Yesterday’s action at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex wrapped up Groups A, B, C and D with Belgium, Japan, Senegal, Croatia and South Africa advancing to the knockout stage. Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, South Korea and North Korea also progressed based on the results.
However, there was disappointment for home fans as Qatar were held by Bolivia to a goalless draw in Group A, despite dominating play at the Mansour Muftah Pitch. The hosts created several chances but could not break through a resilient Bolivian defense. Yazan Mohamed came close in the first half, while captain Zaid Ktit hit the bar in the second half.
With just two points, including one from a draw with South Africa, Qatar’s fate hangs in the balance as they hope to reach the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
South Africa became the second team from Group A to advance, despite a 3-1 defeat to already-qualified Italy.
At Adel Mallala Pitch, Samuele Inacio scored twice to help Italy register their third straight victory.
Antonio Arena was the other scorer for Italy, while Shaun Els scored for South Africa, who finished the group with three points.
Qatar's Tameem Alqadi in action during the match against Bolivia.
Relentless Morocco run riot; Japan progress
Morocco started scoring early, with Bilal Soukrat finding the net in the third minute at Mohammed Ghanim Pitch. Oualid Ibn Salah added a quick brace, and New Caledonia were further weakened after red cards to Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez in the 23rd and 31st minutes.
Abdelali Eddaoudi, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, Ismail El Aoud and Abdellah Ouazane scored twice each, while Ilyas Hidaoui and Zakari El Khalfioui added one apiece. Morocco also benefited from an own goal, surpassing Spain’s 13-0 win over New Zealand in 1997, keeping their hopes alive of advancing.
“We’re delighted with this win and the spirit we showed today. This is our true level,” said Morocco captain Hamza Bouhaddi. “We lost the first two matches, but we approached today’s game as if it were our first in the tournament.”
At Khaled Ballan Pitch, Japan edged already-qualified Portugal 2-1 to top Group B and seal their place in the Round of 32. Takeshi Wada opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Taiga Seguchi doubling the lead in the 45th.
Portugal responded with a Zeega strike in 80th minute, nine minutes after Japan were reduced to 10 men following a red card to Kaiji Chonan, but Japan held on to collect three points.
“We can’t guarantee a lot of things, but one thing we can guarantee is that we will work. That’s what we did with our backline — everyone is focused on every play,” said Japan goalkeeper Shuji Muramatsu.
Senegal trounce UAE; Croatia down Costa Rica
Bakary Sonko starred for Senegal as they defeated the United Arab Emirates 5-0 at Ibrahim Khalfan Pitch. Sonko scored in the 19th, 41st, and 60th minutes, after Malick Cisse opened the scoring from a penalty in the 14th. Victor Mendy added a close-range strike in the 74th minute to complete the win.
Senegal topped Group C with seven points, edging Croatia - who defeated Costa Rica 3-1 - on goal difference, with both teams securing knockout stage berths.
At Khaled Salman Pitch, Kresimir Rados opened the scoring in the 35th minute for Croatia, followed by Raul Kumar in the 55th. Costa Rica pulled one back through Thiago Cordero in the 58th minute, but Tino Kusanovic sealed the win in the 89th minute.
“I want to congratulate my boys. They played a very good game and controlled it from start to finish. It’s a pity we didn’t score more goals,” said Croatia coach Marijan Budimir.
Belgium advance; Argentina stay perfect
Earlier at Mahmoud Soufi Pitch, Belgium joined Argentina in progressing from Group D with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia. Belgium took the lead inside the first 52 seconds after Noah Fernandez capitalised on a mistake by Tunisian goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar.
Tunisia’s woes continued when Saifedin Haj Abdallah was sent off for a high tackle in the 17th minute.
Ali Camara’s goal from the edge of the box sealed the win.
At Bader Bilal Pitch, Uriel Ojeda scored a hat-trick as Argentina stayed perfect with a 7-0 victory over Fiji. After having an early penalty saved, Ojeda opened the scoring in the 17th minute and completed his hat-trick with two more goals in the second half. Mateo Martinez added strikes in the 30th and 45th minutes, while Santiago Silveira and Simon Escobar scored late to wrap up the win.
