2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Three-time champion Nigeria and
new comer Sweden live to settle their supremacy 'row' at the ongoing 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after both teams booked their places in the semi-finals.
While Sweden clawed back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to defeat Honduras 2-1 in their quarter-final at
Al Ain city on Friday, Nigeria sent Uruguay packing Saturday in Sharjah with Taiwo Awoniyi, deputising
for the injured Success Isaac, scoring 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 on Tuesday in Dubai in a replay of their
3-3 Group F draw in Al Ain City.
On that occasion, Nigeria also came from 2-1 deficit at half time to draw 3-3 with the Swedes, who
are featuring in this tournament for the first time.
On paper, the Nigerians look good to reach their seventh semi-final since the tournament started in
1985 when they first won, but they must be weary of a cunning Swedish team which is capable of
turning the tide at any point in a match.
That match will be another thorough examination for the Nigerians against an organised and talented
Sweden.
The other African nation in action Saturday, Cote d'Ivoire, was sent home 2-1 by Argentina, which will
now meet defending champion Mexico, also on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
In their match against 2011 runner-up Uruguay, 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 on a wonderful pass that was latched onto by Awoniyi.
The striker made no mistake, hitting home for his second strike of the tournament.
Stunned into action, the South Americans had a decent spell shortly after but it was Nigeria that
controlled most of the possession and created the more dangerous chances.
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 and it seemed only a matter of time before a second
goal will come.
The knockout blow finally came 11 minutes later (79th), and it followed the same pattern as the first
-- Iheanacho picked up a perfect pass at the edge of the area from Chidiebere Nwakali and carried the
ball towards goal with an elegant touch.
The Uruguayan defence collapsed on the No 10, 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.