Mexico advance to pre-quarters
Mexico and Chile played out a goalless draw in their final Group F match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, in Guwahati. With the result, Mexico advanced to the round of 16 and will play against Iran in Goa on Tuesday, while Chile exit the competition with just one point from their three group matches. The first half was dominated by the Mexicans, but the CONCACAF champions were unable to break the deadlock till the interval. There was no lack of intent in the second half, too, but both the sides failed to score a goal.
England thump Iraq 4-0
England topped Group F in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup after an emphatic 4-0 win over Iraq in Kolkata. Daniel Loader (59th and 71st minutes) struck a brace, while Angel Gomes (11th) and Emile Smith Roe (57) scored one apiece for the Englishmen at the Salt lake Stadium. While England had sailed into the last 16 even before the start of the game, Iraq also made the cut as group runners-up.
Japan enter pre-quarters
New Caledonia rode skipper Jekob Jeno's late strike to hold Japan 1-1 in a Group E match but the Asian outfit advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup encounter in Kolkata. With the draw, New Caledonia ended their campaign with a cheer as they gained their first ever point in a FIFA World Cup across age categories. Japan went ahead in the seventh minute through forward Keito Nakamura, but New Caledonia's Jeno restored parity seven minutes from time. They finished their group fixtures with four points, five less than France and one ahead of Honduras. Japan will clash against the Group F toppers in the pre-quarterfinals here on October 17.
France end group stage in style
France thrashed Honduras 5-1 to enter the second round of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup as the winners of Group E, in Guwahati. Alexis Flips (23rd, 64th minutes) scored once in each half after left winger Wilson Isidor (14th) had handed France the lead. Amine Gouri (86th) and Yacine Adli (90+6) piled on the misery for Honduras in the closing stages. France have finished the first round as the winners of Group E with the full nine points.
