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FIFA U-20 World Cup: Mexico through on penalties, Costa Rica out and more

Mexico U20 World Cup (Reuters)

By FRANCO PANIZO

Mexican national teams have won two international tournaments this summer, and El Tri's U-20 squad got one step closer to potentially making it three.

Mexico advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup after defeaing Cameroon in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Mexico converted all three of its spot-kicks while Cameroon missed its three on a day that saw all four of its Round of 16 matches decided via a penalty kick.

Cameroon was close to eliminating Mexico as a goal from Franck Ohandza gave the Indomitable Lions a lead in the 79th minute, but the Mexicans got an equalizer through Carlos Orrantia two minutes later.

The only team left from CONCACAF, Mexico will face hosts Colombia in the quarterfinals.

Here are more results from Tuesday's Round of 16 matches:

COLOMBIA ELIMINATES COSTA RICA WITH LATE GOAL

Costa Rica looked ready to eliminate Colombia, but the tournament hosts persevered with a late goal in stoppage time to win 3-2. James Rodriguez scored a penalty kick two minutes into second-half stoppage time to advance Colombia to the quarterfinals. The Colombians took the lead with a second-half finish from Luis Muriel, but Costa Rica scored twice in a span of two minutes on goals from John Jairo Ruiz and Javier Escoe to threaten Colombia. The hosts responded, though, with an equalizer from Pedro Franco before Rodriguez netted the winner. Colombia will take on Mexico in the next round on Aug. 13.

ARGENTINA HOLDS OFF EGYPT

In a game that saw all three of its goals scored via penalty kicks, Argentina beat Egypt 2-1. Erik Lamela netted both of Argentina's goals from the spot while Mohamed Salah converted his in the 70th minute. The win extended Argentina's unbeaten streak in the competition to 17 games, and set up a quarterfinals match against Portugal on Aug. 13.

PORTUGAL TOPS GUATEMALA

Portugal scored on a penalty kick early, and that was all that was needed to see off Guatemala. Portugal went through to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Guatemala after Nelson Oliveira converted a penalty in the 7th minute. Portugal held maintained that lead, and will face Argentina in the next round.

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What do you think of Mexico advancing to the quarterfinals? How far do you see Colombia going?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Hahahah cool story bro. Thanks to mexico concacaf has some respect. Mexico has 3 FIFA trophies 1 confederation cup and 2 u-17 world cups.

    Reply
  2. I’m assuming you didn’t see Colombia’s game vs Los Ticos, if not for the referee, we might be seeing Mexico vs Costa Rica on Saturday.

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  3. good one.

    i’ve turned the page from mexico hater to being ok with them. The US and Mexico need each other to continue to make progress versus the rest of the world.

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  4. Mexico’s resurgence is thanks to the US. They were complacent until the US started embarrassing them by beating them regularly (except in Azteca of course).

    Reply
  5. I believe the statement was all four games were decided via a penalty kick. Not that all four games went to PKs.

    I had to go back and read it after seeing the first one that was not PKs but a penatly kick.

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  6. agree, with AJ… not very impressed either…that tall bald guy has not impressed me in the middle whatsoever, and he is the captain, smh..

    Reply

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