Brazil U-17 rejoicing after the lone goal victory

Host nation, Chile has been knocked out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Chileans lost to Mexico, 1-4, despite scoring the first goal.

Brazil edged past a brave New Zealand side in Vina Del Mar and needed a stoppage-time penalty kick to win 1-0 and advance to the quarter-finals.

Mexico came from behind to see off Chile with a 4-1 win to send the hosts out of the competition at the Round of 16 stage, and put the two-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winners into the last eight.

Brian Leiva’s opener saw the Estadio Nelson Oyarzún Arenas erupt in jubilant celebration, but the fans’ joy was momentary. Claudio Zamudio tapped El Tri level before turning provider for Pablo Lopez to put Mario Arteaga’s side ahead. Lopez in turn crossed for Eduardo Aguirre to score before Diego Cortes rubber-stamped the victory.

In the match between Brazil and New Zealand, the first half in Vina Del Mar was characterised by a resilient New Zealand defensive performance even though Brazil, without star Lincoln due to a red card from the previous game, enjoyed the majority of possession.

Mexican players bouncing off with joy after the 4-1 rout of Chile

The Young All Whites were able to limit their South American opponents’ chances, however goalkeeper Michael Woud was called upon to make three key saves in the first half, denying Geovane and Luis Henrique on two separate occasions.

New Zealand were unable to get a single shot off in the first half, however, they were appealing for a penalty kick when Connor Probert was brought down in the area.

New Zealand had a heart-in-mouth moment early in the second half when Woud, who had been flawless during the match, left his penalty area to make a clearance, only for it to land at the feet of Luis Henrique whose shot was drilled straight at the New Zealand defense and cleared.

Woud made a save at his near post in the 62nd minute after an extended period of Brazilian pressure on the New Zealand backline. And just when the momentum seemed to be on Brazil’s side, Kleber conceded a penalty kick to New Zealand after tripping Lucas Imrie in the area. However it was heartbreak for New Zealand as James McGarry missed the resulting penalty kick, blasting his shot over the crossbar. Unfortunately for McGarry that would not be the worst part of his day.

After enduring a couple of chances from New Zealand, Brazil continued to control the game at the Estadio Sausalito and had two dangerous free-kicks near the end of the 90 minutes but were unable to convert them.

New Zealand stayed resolute in the back and Woud and Co thought they had done enough to hang on and send the match to penalties. However McGarry fouled Luis Henrique in the penalty area in the last minute of injury time. Luis Henrique then converted his penalty sharply to his left and the referee promptly blew his whistle for full time

Brazil will play the winner of the Round of 16 match between Nigeria and Australia.

*Reported by fifa.com