Germany and Belgium hold nerve

Germany are on the verge of reaching the FIFA U-17 World Cup last 16 in Korea Republic after holding on for a 3-2 win against Ghana while Belgium left it late to overcome Tajikistan 1-0.

Kroos double
Having been pegged back from 3-1 up for a draw against Colombia in their first Group F game, Germany were keen on three points today in Cheonan. They looked on course by the break as they led 3-0 after Sascha Bigalke turned in Dennis Dowidat's clever pass and Toni Kroos added further goals from a free-kick that deflected in off Ghana goalkeeper Joseph Addo and a curling shot. However, early in the second half Ransford Osei and Sadick Adams pulled goals back within a minute of each other, and Ishamel Yartey hit the crossbar near the end but this time Germany held on. Colombia beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 to move into first place; Germany need only a point against the Caribbean nation on Sunday to ensure progress.

Belgium held
Belgium needed a good result after their opening Group E loss to Tunisia and it came against Asian representatives Tajikistan when their dominance was rewarded with a goal three minutes into added time from substitue Christian Benteke in Changwon, turning in a cross with virtually the last kick of the game. The United States, beaten by Tajikistan on Monday, went down 3-1 to Tunisia who are now through. Belgium, on their World Cup debut, now know maximum points against the US would take them into the knockout phase. The first of the decisive opening stage matches are tomorrow, with England needing only a point to join opponents and Group B leaders Brazil in the next round.