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.
The knockout stage is seeded based on your pts and GD from group stage so a win against Czechia could be important. Not destroying Tajikistan could also prove harmful. But once you get to the knockout stages in these youth tournaments anyone is tough.
Yeah, if they lose to the Czechs and Burkina Faso win vs Tajik buy two….3rd place and done.
Burkina Faso could do that. They just beat the Czechs who thumped Tajikistan. The group is still up for grabs.
Berchimas I know has been trialing with EPL clubs, but the kids is very underrated and should be given a deal from a top five club in Europe like Cavan and Endrick from Brasil. Brachimas was dribbling with two and three players on him. It was very impressive to see such skill and balance. Looking forward to watching him some more.
He’s been hurt a lot the since the last U17 WC it’s really slowed the interest and development. Hopefully he can get and stay healthy. I wouldn’t put either Cavan or Nimfasha in the Endrick category though. He had double digit goals in the Brazilian top flight by 17. I expect him to head to Europe when he turns 18, but probably not a CL club on his first move.
Don’t misunderstand me I think he’s really good, but he’s got 20 MLS minutes in 2 seasons.
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.