Eaglets qualify for semi final

Eaglets qualify for semi final
on november 02, 2013 at 7:00 pm in sports
Three-time champion Nigeria booked their place in
the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE
with a 2-0 win over Uruguay in Sharjah. Taiwo
Awoniyi – deputising for the injured Success Isaac
– scored both goals in a game that was a true test
of the Golden Eaglets’ title aspirations. The African
favourites will now meet Sweden in the semi-final
round, in a replay of their 3-3 Group F draw.
Uruguay had the first chance of note after only six
minutes when Enrique Etcheverry crossed low
through the penalty area. The impressive Leandro
Otormin got a boot to the ball, but could only direct
his effort wide of goal. It was a false dawn for the
2011 runners-up, however, as the Golden Eaglets
took the game by the scruff of the neck after 18
minutes.
The Nigerians, who scored 18 goals in their four
games heading into the quarter-final round, opened
the scoring from a fabulous piece of creative
interplay. Kelechi Iheanacho, scorer of five goals at
these finals, laid a wonderful through ball, perfectly
weighted, from deep in midfield that was latched
onto by Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker made no
mistake, hitting home to the back post for his
second goal of the tournament.
Taiwo Awonity of Nigeria celebrates after scoring
against Uruguay during his FIFA U-17 World Cup
UAE 2013 football match in Sharjah on November 2,
2013. AFP PHOTO
Stunned into action, the South Americans had a
decent spell shortly after. Kevin Mendez and
Otormin both tested Dele Alampasu from distance
with powerful efforts. But it was Nigeria who
controlled most of the possession and created the
more dangerous chances. Captain Musa
Muhammed’s cross from the right after 34 minutes
was only just missed on the doorstep by the tall and
rangy Awoniyi.
The second half started with a flurry of chances for
Nigeria, Awoniyi and Musa Yahaya both going close
to scoring after creating space for themselves at
the edge of the penalty area. Uruguay were hanging
on, absorbing wave after wave of Nigerian attacks.
In the 68th minute, Iheanacho turned and fired from
the edge of the box only for his shot to come flying
off the back of a brave Uruguayan defender.
The knockout blow finally came in the 79th minute,
and it followed the same pattern as the first
Nigerian goal. Iheanacho picked up a perfect pass
at the edge of the area from Chidiebere Nwakali and
carried the ball toward goal with an elegant touch.
The Uruguayan defence collapsed on the No10, but
he had the presence of mind to pull the ball across
the face of goal, where Awoniyi stabbed home inside
the far post to send the fans into hysterics.
Manu Garba’s Nigeria now move on to their seventh
U-17 World Cup semi-final, where they will face
another thorough examination in the form of the
organised and talented Swedes in Dubai. (FIFA)
What is your opinion on the Eaglets /Uruguay
game? Can  Eagles win the Cup?