Disciplined Brazil Defeats Unlucky Nigeria Flying Eagles In Their Final Group D Game At The Ongoing 2023 U-20 World Cup In Argentina.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the round-of-16 at the ongoing 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
Nigeria had earlier booked a place in the competition’s knockout stage despite losing 2-0 to Brazil in their final Group D game on Saturday night at the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona, La Plata.
Coming into the game, the Flying Eagles began the more hungrier team, and Jude Sunday almost gave them the lead in the eighth minute, but his spectacular volley hit the crossbar and just fractioned off the goalline before Mycael, the Brazilian goalkeeper, scooped the ball out.
Despite playing well in attack, with an organized midfield and a vigilant defense, Ladan Bosso's men actually out possessed and out shot the young Selecao for the majority of the first half, but they were unlucky not to score and ended up paying a heavy price.
Brazil who grew gradually into the game, scored two quick fire goals in the closing minutes of the half.
The South American team eventually took the lead in the 43rd minute through Jean Pedroso.
As if that was not enough for the first half, the Flying Eagles were caught flatfooted in stoppage time, with Marquinhos firing past Chijioke Aniagboso from close range in 45+2 minute.
Brazil were in total control of the game after the break but failed to add to their lead, but extended their record against the West Africans to five wins and one draw.
The 2-0 defeat saw the Flying Eagles tumble from the top of the group to third place, and only progressed as one the best third-placed teams in the group stage.
It was their only loss in the group after defeating debutants Dominican Republic 2-1, and Italy 2-0 in their first two games.
In the other group game, Italy outclassed the Dominican Republic 3-0 and climbed to second with six points and just one goal ahead of Nigeria.
Brazil, Italy and Nigeria all finished the tough group on six points each, but the South Americans won the group courtesy of a superiors goals difference.
Italy finished runners-up after they stopped whipping boys the Dominican Republic 3-0 in the other game in the group.
Nigeria will play either USA or host Argentina in the second round of the competition, billed to commence on Tuesday.
The Flying Eagles will officially know their Round of 16 opponent when the group stage matches are concluded on Sunday.
Post a Comment