Turkey leave it late again

Turkey ensured they ended the FIFA U-17 World Championship group stage in Peru with maximum points as they came from behind to defeat Mexico 2-1.

Already through
A similar turnaround victory against Uruguay had ensured the European champions' progress from Group B to the quarter-finals with a match to spare, but they went into the fixture with Mexico in Piura needing three points against another team with a perfect record to finish top of the pool.

Team changes
With both teams resting key players - Turkey coach Abdullah Avci making seven changes to the starting lineup - Mexico struck first when Ever Guzman found the target eleven minutes in. Turkey came back strongly and not long after Nuri Sahin volleyed over, the BV Borussia Dortmund midfielder's 28th-minute shot was only parried by Mexico goalkeeper Sergio Arias and Deniz Yilmaz was first to the rebound and equalised.

Last-gasp winner
In the second half a succession of chances for Turkey went begging, but just as it seemed as though they would have to settle for a draw, Caner Erkin headed a 91st-minute winner. The coach said: "The first 15 minutes were difficult for us, but we were the ones who were able to put more pressure on Mexico and I think we played the better football."

China await
Third place in the group was clinched by Australia, who defeated Uruguay 2-1, while Turkey then discovered their quarter-final opponents in Iquitos on Sunday would be China, who gained the draw they needed to progress from Group A, ending 1-1 against Ghana. First place in the pool on goal difference went to Costa Rica, who ended the campaign of hosts Peru with a 2-0 win and play Mexico in Piura.

Decisive matches
If the Netherlands or Italy want to join Turkey in the last eight, they both need positive results on Friday. The Azzurrini must beat the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - for who a draw would be enough - in Group C Trujillo while the already-qualified United States take on eliminated Ivory Coast. In Group D, the Dutch play a Gambia side on maximum points in Lima, and will need to win if holders Brazil defeat bottom side Qatar.