The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team needed overcame an early deficit against Tajikistan to book their spot into the FIFA U-17 World Cup’s Round of 32.
Goals from Nimfasha Berchimas and Cavan Sullivan helped Gonzalo Segares’ squad rally to win 2-1 in group stage play on Saturday. The result moved the Americans to 2-0-0 in World Cup play heading into their group stage finale against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
It was a fast start for Tajikistan as Mukhammad Nazriev’s third-minute finish made it 1-0.
However, the Americans did not hang their heads and eventually tied things up on the 30th minute mark. Sullivan’s cross was headed home by Berchimas for a 1-1 equalizer.
It marked Sullivan’s second goal contribution of the tournament and Berchimas’ first goal.
As both teams pressed for a go-ahead goal in the second half, Sullivan called his own number from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. The Philadelphia Union academy attacker delivered a panenka down the middle of the net for his second goal in as many matches.
The USMNT U-17’s would hang on for their second victory in Qatar, advancing to the next round with one match to spare.
A victory or draw with the Czechs on Tuesday would seal the top spot in Group I for the United States, but a defeat could see them finish as runners-up in the group.
A little bit more clinical and this is an easy 3 or 4 to 1 victory.
It was a struggle, but they got the win.