Colombia leave Finns in a spin
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Article summary
Finland's dreams of FIFA Under-17 World Championship glory were ended by a 9-1 defeat against Colombia.
Article body
Finland's dreams of FIFA Under-17 World Championship glory on home soil were ended by a Colombian masterclass on Tuesday, as the South Americans ran out 9-1 winners in an amazing game in Helsinki to win Group A.
Four goals for Hidalgo
Carlos Hidalgo scored four goals and Gustavo Ramos three as Colombia set up a last-eight showdown with Costa Rica, who beat Australia 2-0 in Group B to edge through ahead of Nigeria, who fell 1-0 against Argentina. The Argentinians will meet Mexico, who drew their final Group A game 3-3 against China, in the quarter-finals.
Creditable third place
Despite Tuesday's huge defeat Finland still finished a creditable third in their group with three points, two more than bottom-placed China. Europe's last hopes of having representation in the latter stages of the competition now rest with Spain and Portugal.
Wednesday matches
The Spanish meet the United States on Wednesday in Group D knowing that they will need a point to secure a last-eight place if Sierra Leone beat the Korean Republic in the afternoon. Meanwhile the Portuguese face Cameroon in what looks like a direct battle for second place in Group C.
