Brazil beat Australia 3-1 on Saturday in the final group game at the Under-20 World Cup, while Costa Rica reached the knockout stage at the expense of the US despite losing to the Czech Republic.
South Africa also advanced with their first victory in the tournament, beating Honduras 2-0. They were joined by Hungary who beat the United Arab Emirates 2-0.
The Brazilians fielded a team of reserves having already qualified and went behind in the 14th minute to a free kick by Aaron Mooy.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Ciro leveled in the 34th, and Douglas Costa added another in the 62nd. Paulo Henrique — the team’s standout — scored a spectacular goal of his own in the 81st minute, curling the ball over goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne to condemn the Young Socceroos to a third straight defeat.
“Australia had a very strong start. But [we] stayed calm and in the end we prevailed,” said Brazil coach Rogerio, whose team now face Uruguay in the round of 16.
“The game with Uruguay will be a classic South American clash, Rogerio said. “But we are confident that we will progress and move toward winning the cup.”
PHOTO: REUTERS
Brazil topped Group E with seven points, beating the Czech Republic on goal difference. Costa Rica followed with three points, while Australia go out with no points.
Striker Jan Chramosta scored twice and Jan Voshalik added another as the Czech Republic beat Costa Rica 3-2 , but the Costa Ricans scraped through to the knockout phase on goal difference at the expense of the US.
In Group F, South Africa needed a win to advance and appeared determined to get it, piling pressure on the Honduran defense and goalkeeper Francisco Reyes.
Andile Jali scored with a powerful shot in the 31st minute, and Sibusiso Khumalo added the second in the 46th, slicing a powerful left-footed shot past Reyes.
“It was a good match of football, we missed too many chances and that’s been a problem for us throughout the tournament,” South African coach Serame Letsoaka said.
“We are picking up momentum going forward,” Letsoaka said, thanking local Egyptian fans for their support. “We are Africans and they are with us.”
Hungary beat the United Arab Emirates to advance into the knockout round from Group F.
Striker Krisztian Nemeth put Hungary ahead after just 19 minutes and Vladimir Koman made it 2-0 four minutes later with a curling shot into the top corner.
After losing their opening match to Honduras, Hungary have had convincing wins against South Africa and now the UAE.
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