Kolkata: Iran thrashed Germany 4-0, in what can be called as the first big upset of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and qualified for the round of 16 with a game to spare. Playing their second match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Margao Germany started as the obvious favourites but were stunned by Iran who scored four through Younes Delfi(6th and 42th), Allahyar Sayyad (49th) and Vahid Namdari (75th) and could have scored more had they been more sharp, on Tuesday.
Iran who had played with a defensive approach in their first game, switched to attacking mode and it was enough to create space in the otherwise tough-to-break German defence. Die Mannschaft were shaky and disorganised which helped Iran take the decisive lead in only sixth minute of the match, when Younes Delfi’s shot took a slight deflection from rival defender Jan Boller’s leg and landed inside the net.
The early goal put Germany on the back-foot thereby encouraging more of Iranian attacks into the German half. Goalkeeper Luca Plogmann was alert and saved three clear goals in the first half, but couldn’t do anything when Younes Delfi put in a header in the 42nd minute, from a Mohammed Sharifi corner. However, despite the lead against them, Germany got their best chance in the 45th minute but Yeboah’s shot sailed over the bar, which summed up the evening for the wasteful Germans.
The German midfield which is the lynchpin of the team looked ineffective against the likes of Mohammad Sharifi and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, giving Iran all the time to settle themselves. The Iranians were so much in control that Jan Fiete- Arp the world number one’s main man in attack got the fewest touches in the entire match. Iran meanwhile scored two more goals through Allayahr Sayyad and Vahid Namdari to seal their place in the knockout rounds.
“Our plan was to control the German attack, which is of very high quality, and it worked. At the same time we knew Germany had problem in defence and our players did well to trouble them,” said Iran coach Chamanian after the match.
Costa Rica vs Guinea
Both the teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, but Guinea was the better of the two sides and Costa Rica has to thank all but goalkeeper Montegnero who defied gravity to keep La Sele’s hopes alive throughout the match. Guinea who kept on attacking for most of the match, will rue their missed chances for failing to win a Match they had on their hands.
Costa Rica unexpectedly took the lead in the 26th minute through Yecxy Jarquin, but Toure equalised for Guinea in the next four minutes. Striker Andre Gomez who saw few chances coming his way, scored one in the 67th minute to put Les Ticos ahead yet again. Guinea who played with four forwards towards the end of the match, despite several attacks couldn’t do much other than equalising in the 81st minute.
Montegnero, who was the hero for Costa Rica, was in for a praise from both the coaches. “We were the better of the two teams. We could have scored more if not for the Costa Rica goalkeeper (Montenegro), who made some six-seven good saves,” said a frustrated Camera coach of the Guinea team.
GROUP D
Brazil vs Korea DPR
Brazil registered their second win in as many matches in the U-17 World Cup as Lincoln and Paulinho scored two second-half goals to hand over a comfortable win. Brazil who put up a dowminat performance looked frustrated as failed to score a goal despite lining up attacks after attacks. The stiff Korean defence helped by their midfielders held on for most part of the match but were tore open through a free kick in the 56th minute, which saw Lincoln score to put the Samba boys ahead. Minutes later Paulinho scored his second goal of the tournament and although he picked up a slight knock late into the match, it was enough for the Selecao country to book their place in the round of 16.
Spain vs Niger
The European champions needed a win to keep their hopes alive in the World Cup and they replied in style, thrashing four against a hapless Niger at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium in Kochi on Tuesday. Abel Ruiz scored two while Cesar Gelabert and Sergio Gomez chipped in with a goal each to bring up the win.
Brief Scores:
Group C
Margao – Costa Rica 2 (Y. Jarquin 26′ A. Gomez 67′) drew with Guinea 2 (D. Toure 30′ I. Soumah 81′)
Iraq 4 (Y. Delfi 6′, 42′ Allahyar Sayyad 49′ V. Namdari 75′) beat Germany 0
GROUP D
Spain 4 ( Abel Ruiz 21′, 41′ Cesar 45+1′ Sergio Gomez 82′) beat Niger 0
Brazil 2( Lincoln 56′ Paulinho 61′) beat Korea DPR 0