A header goal from Haris Seferovic proved to be the difference as the Switzerland Under-17 national team defeated Nigeria, 1-0, in the Under-17 World Cup Final on Sunday in Nigeria.
The Swiss capped an undefeated tournament with it latest impressive victory, knocking off the defending champions and heavily favored Nigerians in the final. Switzerland reached the final by beating Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and Colombia.
Nigeria had been vying for its fourth Under-17 World Cup title.
Here are some other stories from the weekend to get your Monday started:
VAN PERSIE GETS GOOD NEWS ON INJURY
Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin Van Persie had been believed to be facing several months on the sidelines after a serious ankle injury suffered in the Netherlands recent friendly vs. Italy, but it appears the injury isn't as bad as first believed.
Van Persie is now set to miss approximately six weeks after the injury suffered in Saturday's 0-0 exhibition tie.
ABIDAL TO MISS FRANCE-IRELAND SECOND LEG
French fullback Eric Abidal will miss France's World Cup playoff second leg against Ireland on Wednesday with a thigh injury suffered during France's first-leg victory, 1-0, in Ireland on Saturday.
Abidal and midfielder Jeremy Toulalan will miss Wednesday's match for France.
MEXICAN PLAYOFF FIELD SET
Club America and Cruz Azul secured playoff spotswhile Chivas de Guadalajara and Pachuca failed to do so after the final weekend of action in the Mexican League regular season.
Here are the playoff match-ups:
Toluca vs. San Luis
Morelia vs. Santos Laguna
Club America vs. Monterrey
Cruz Azul vs. Puebla
The Mexican playoff schedule will be revealed on Tuesday.
CUDICINI EXPECTED TO RECOVER FROM ACCIDENT
Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is expected to make a full recovery after suffering serious injuries when his motorcycle collided with a car, sending him flying and causing him to suffer a broken wrist and injured pelvis. The 36-year-old Italian was first believed to have suffered career-threatening injuries in the crash, but now it appears as though he could be back in action in three months.
MEXICAN STRIKER DENIGRIS DIES OF HEART ATTACK
Former Mexican national team striker Antonio DeNigris has died of an apparent heart attack in Greece. The 31-year old was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of Monday morning, but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
DeNigris was playing for Greek club Larissa. U.S. national team fans will remember DeNigris for his run-in with goalkeeper Tim Howard during the U.S. team's 2-2 exhibition draw vs. Mexico on Feb. 6, 2008.
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What do you think of these stories? Impressed with Switzerland's performance in the Under-17 World Cup? Relieved to hear Van Persie's injury isn't as serious as first thought? Think Ireland can knock off France in the second leg of their World Cup playoff?
Share your thoughts below.
Refreshing victory by the Swiss. Good for world football.
holy crap.. i read his blog a few times on ESPNdeportes..
RIP
I saw the Swiss beat Italy and Germany and they were impressive. I’m also glad to see anyone outside the “big team” nations, win this
“Nigeria basically own this age group.”
Yes – 3 World Cups at U-17 level. However, it needs to be said that the Nigerians have the advantage of playing with players in their mid-20s…
http://thepmnews.com/2009/11/02/u-17-world-cup-shocker-eaglets-skipper-25-years-old
And a well done to Korea, in both competitions, who proved the two USSF clowns wrong once more.
Great to see Switzerland win. Both Rongen and Sunil claimed (to justify U20s performance) that soccer minnow nations cannot compete with the big boys. Well done Swiss.
to put this in perspective. the swiss had NEVER entered this FIFA tourney. Nigeria basically own this age group. Shades of Uruguay in 1950 are all over this. To go in to the host country and defending champs, in their backyard, and beat them in the final, in your first go around ever is unbeleivable. Definatley a shortlister for all-time football upsets IMHO.
That’s sad about De Nigris. May his family and friends find comfort in this sad time.
rip
Man. I know we have a bitter rivalry with Mexico, but all that is swept aside when a tragedy like this occurs. 31 years old! My thoughts go out to his family. RIP Antonio De Nigris. RIP Robert Enke.
R.I.P. Antonio De Nigris.
Great news on Cudicini!!! Also i do not wish injury on anyone, but with Van Persie looking to be out for the big game on the 29th v Chelsea I am happy that the playing feild just got a little more even with all of Chelseas latest injuries.