Agüero shines at U20 finals
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Article summary
Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria have reached the FIFA U-20 World Cup knockout stage while the United States and Argentina's Sergio Agüero also made waves.
Article body
Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria all reached the FIFA U-20 World Cup knockout stage on Friday as the United States and Argentina prodigy Sergio Agüero also made waves.
Draw enough
In Group D, Freddy Adu inspired the US to a famous victory in Ottawa with the captain providing two assists for Josmer Altidore as Brazil were beaten 2-1 in a thrilling contest. The result allowed Poland to take second place ahead of Brazil with a 1-1 draw with eliminated Korea Republic. Poland, whose had taken the lead just before half-time through Legia Warszawa forward Dawid Janczyk, will play Argentina in the last 16 while the US will meet the third-place finisher from either Group B, E or F.
Substance wins
Poland coach Michal Globisz was naturally delighted to see his team progress from a section that had appeared one of the toughest before the finals in Canada began. "Korea were more stylish than us," he said. "But football isn't like ice skating where you get points for style. We played our own game and adapted to theirs. In the end it's only the result that matters."
Agüero winner
The Czechs finished as Group E runners-up by beating Panama 2-1 thanks to two late goals from 1. FC Brno duo Lubos Kalouda and Marek Strestik, and will meet the winners of Group F, either Nigeria or Japan, in the next round. Favourites Argentina won the section thanks to Club Atlético de Madrid talent Agüero's free-kick against Korea DPR. The dynamic No10, who also hit the woodwork with another set-piece, is level with US trio Adu, Altidore and Danny Szetela in the race to be top scorer with three goals each.
Austrian delight
Argentina's triumph meant Austria, who do not conclude their Group A programme until Sunday when they face Chile in Toronto, were confirmed as one of the best third-place teams from the group stage. Also on Sunday, Portugal will look to progress from Group C against Gambia in Montreal. Group B leaders Spain take on Jordan on Saturday night when Scotland, after two straight defeats, conclude their Group F programme against Costa Rica.
