The story of the last group in the FIFA U-17 World Cup revolved mostly around one team and its galaxy of stars: England. The Three Lions was not in the easiest of groups, but stormed its way through to the round of 16. A surprisingly under-par Chile crashed out with just one point, Mexico scrapped through as one of the best third-placed team and Iraq grabbed the second place.
Chile was supposed to give England a tough challenge in the first game, but the lack of a proper game plan cost their team heavily and went down 4-0. Jadon Sancho lived up to his billing with two goals and an assist, and Angel Gomes, introduced in the second half, scored an unstoppable free kick. In the other game, Mexico held Iraq to a relatively low-key 1-1 draw, but all eyes were on the Asian side’s goalscorer, Mohammed Dawood.
It was then Mexico’s turn to take on England. A little after half-time, it looked like it would be another effortless victory for England, with the team up 3-0 by the 55th minute. But, unlike the Chileans, Mexico pressed hard and troubled the English defence. Diego Lainez scored two in seven minutes to unsettle England, but the thriller finished 3-2. Iraq played Chile that day and it was Dawood who stole the show. Iraq won 3-0, courtesy of a brace by the striker, an own goal and some disastrous Chile defending.
With England firmly through, the Europeans made seven changes for their last group stage match against Iraq, which rested Dawood presumably because of injury concerns. Though Gomes scored to give England the lead, the evenly fought first half was a different story compared to the second half, where England ran riot and scored another three goals. Dawood came on as a substitute, but could do nothing to stem the rot. Mexico held a desperate Chile to a drab 0-0 draw to make it through.
In the round of 16, England will stay in Kolkata to play Japan, Iraq is drawn against Mali and Mexico will face Iraq.
