Holders Nigeria cruised into the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals after
stunning Brazil with three goals in five first half minutes in a 3-0 victory.
Victor Osimhen, with his eighth goal in five games, Kingsley Michael and
Udochukwu Anumudu battered Brazil, and the Golden Eaglets played the rest
of the game out at a canter to reach the final four.
Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in
fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with
Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits. A Seleção were made to rue those
missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top
of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and
the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.
Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more.
The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael
following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian
No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu
hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past
the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out.
The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye
and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere
procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. They
will head to Concepcion for Thursday’s semi-final against the winner of
tomorrow’s quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico.
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
