Brazil and Mexico finally hit their stride in their second matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011. Recovering from slow starts in their groups, they sauntered to respective 3-0 victories over Austria and Korea DPR, in games notable for some classy goals. A Seleçãozinha delighted the fans in Barranquilla with two fine team moves orchestrated by Oscar and Philippe Coutinho, the first ending in a goal for Henrique and the second rounded off by Willian Jose. The impressive Brazilians now stand on the brink of the Round of 16.
Mexico revived their hopes of going through by bouncing back from an opening-day defeat by Argentina to sweep the North Koreans aside. Their victory was the first by a CONCACAF side in the competition. Elsewhere, La Albiceleste missed out on the chance to go through a game early when they were held to a goalless draw by England, who have now gone 12 FIFA U-20 World Cup matches without a win. The English do have two points to their name, however, and victory over the Mexicans in their final game will see them through to the last 16.
And in the day’s other game, Egypt continued their excellent start to the tournament by edging out Panama to add three points to the one they collected against Brazil. The win was the Egyptians’ tenth at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, putting them third on the all-time African list behind Nigeria with 15 and Ghana with 20.
