FIFA U17 World Cup: Mali and England book semi-final berths
After 15-days of action, the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage. On Saturday, in the first quarter-final match, Mali defeated former champions Ghana 2-1. In the second match, England continued their winning streak by defeating USA 4-1 to book the second semi-final spot. The other two matches (Brazil vs Germany and Spain vs Iran) will be played on Sunday.
Which teams qualified for the quarter-finals?
The last eight comprises of three European teams (England, Germany and Spain), two African teams (Mali and Ghana), and one team each from Asia (Iran), North America (United States) and South America (Brazil).
Mali defeat Ghana in an all-African encounter
In the first quarter-final of U-17 World Cup, runners-up of the 2015 edition Mali defeated two-time champions Ghana 2-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Hadji Drame and Djemoussa Traore scored for Mali, while Kudus Mohammed was the lone scorer from Ghana. With this win, Mali sealed the first semi-final berth.
England thrash USA in the 'battle of equals'
England team continued the winning streak by defeating USA 4-1 today in Goa. Rhiam Brewster scored a hat-trick for England in this match. England will now face the winner of Germany vs Brazil in the semi-final match.
Brazil vs Germany- Flamboyance vs Precision
Brazil and Germany, two top contenders for the title, have shown extraordinary skills, perfect technique and overall have been efficient in their campaigns till now. However, between the two, three-time champions, Brazil are favorites to win the match.
