Spain step up a gear

Restorative result
Armado Ufarte's side had opened their Group B challenge with a 2-1 defeat by Argentina, but the win in Sharjah moved them level with their opponents on three points.

Advantage Spain
Juanfran gave the Spanish team a 16th-minute lead, rising to head Andrés Iniesta's cross into the net. And while the goal galvanised Mali, it was Spain who continued to look the more likely scorers with Juanfran and Iniesta both having efforts blocked.

Doubling up
The second goal duly arrived 13 minutes from time, after substitute Pina had been fouled in the penalty area. Sergio García stepped up to convert the spot-kick at the second attempt. Mali's woes were then compounded by the sending-off of Moussa Bagayoko.

Maximum points
Argentina stayed top of the section with a maximum six points after a 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan. Goals from Leandro Fernández and Fernando Cavenaghi - a 93rd-minute penalty - turned the match after Alexander Geynrikh had given Uzbekistan the early advantage.

Slovakian setback
Slovakia's Group A hopes were dented by a 1-0 defeat by Burkina Faso. A sixth-minute strike from Ousseni Zongo proved enough for the African side against depleted opponents who were missing captain Marian Kurty, midfield player Lubomir Gajdos and striker Filip Sebo. Despite the setback, Slovakia remained in second place, level with hosts, the United Arab Emirates, who beat Panama 2-1.

Czech stalemate
In Group C, the Czech Republic earned a 1-1 draw against leaders Brazil. David Limbersky put the Czechs in front in the 34th minute, but the South American side rallied to equalise three minutes later through Adailton. The Czechs were overtaken in second place by Australia - 2-1 winners against Canada.