Zabaleta brings down Brazil

Four wins each
Argentina and Brazil met in the first semi-final at the Galgenwaard stadium in Utrecht, having won this competition four times apiece. Indeed, such has been their dominance of this event that, of the previous 14 finals, only five have not featured either team, with Argentina last prevailing in 2001 and Brazil defeating Spain two years ago.

Messi magic
It was Argentina who struck first, FC Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi securing the early advantage with a seventh-minute goal, his fourth of the tournament. It seemed that would prove enough to take Francisco Ferraro's men through, but Brazil hit back 15 minutes from time through Renato.

Zabaleta delight
However, as extra time loomed, Argentina - who had lost their opening game at these finals 1-0 to the United States - ended their great rivals' hopes through captain Pablo Zabaleta's goal three minutes into injury time.

Nigerian style
The Parkstad Limburg stadium in Kerkrade was the scene for the second semi, where Nigeria took a 34th-minute lead against their fellow African side, Olympique de Marseille defender Taye Taiwo breaking the deadlock. Two further goals in six minutes midway through the second period then settled matters. Olubayo Adefemi - who plays his club football in Israel with Hapoel Jerusalem FC - made it 2-0 on 70 minutes before Chinedu Ogbuke of SFK Lyn Oslo sealed the victory.

Red cards
Morocco ended the match with nine men as Mouhssine Iajour and Rida Doulyazal were sent off in the last ten minutes. Both will be suspended for Morocco's encounter with Brazil in Saturday's third-place play-off, also in Utrecht.