ABU DHABI, 19 December 2003 — Spain yesterday joined Argentina as the second team from Group B to advance to the second round of the World Youth Championship, when they beat Uzbekistan 1-0 in Dubai.
Also through to the last 16 were Australia, who stunned Brazil 3-2, with both teams going through though from Group C and Burkina Faso and Slovakia from Group A.
Spain took an early lead through Barcelona midfielder Iniesta, who is considered as one of the favorites for the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. The game then slowed down considerably, as Spain was in control but did not do much to increase their goal tally.
In the earlier game in the group defending champions Argentina beat Mali 3-1, with the South Americans scoring thrice in the first half of an ill-tempered match through Osmar Ferreyra, German Herrera and an own goal by Diakite Drissa. Mamadi Berthe pulled one back for the Africans three minutes after the restart.
Argentina’s goalkeeper Gustavo Eberto was sent off shortly before Mali scored. Their captain, Boubacar Kone was also sent for an early shower after receiving his second booking of the match in the 78th minute.
Argentina maintain their 100 percent record, while Mali can only hope to qualify as one of the third-placed teams.
In Dubai, Canada did Brazil a huge favor by beating the Czech Republic 1-0, with Tranmere Rovers Iain Hume getting the only goal late in the game. The South Americans would have slipped to third place in Group C if the Czechs had beaten Canada by two goals.
Canada, can still qualify for the second round as one of the four best third-placed teams. They played most of the second half with an extra man after Petr Knakal was sent off on the hour. Canadian goalkeeper Alim Karim also saved a penalty in the second half. Earlier yesterday, Australia stunned Brazil 3-2 in the other group match. Australia scored twice through Anthony Danze in the space of six minutes in the first half.
The Perth Glory benefited both times from fortuitous breaks. For his first goal the ball hit a defender before bouncing to Danze, and just five minutes later, the striker found the net after a rebound from the post.
Two minutes after the restart, German-based Spase Dilevski put his side three up. Two late goals by substitute Juninho and Dudu set the scene for a frantic finish by the Brazilians.
The Australians top the group ahead of Brazil and Canada. The Canadians will have to wait for tomorrow’s matches to see if they can qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Burkina Faso, who had already guaranteed their place in the next round after two victories, were held to a goalless draw by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
The hosts finished third in Group A as Slovakia beat Panama 1-0 in the later match to finish second and qualify for the knockout stages. The only goal of the match was scored by Viktor Pecovsky in the second half.
