Portugal sail into last 16 of U-20 World Cup

MALI and Uruguay battled to a draw yesterday to ensure both joined Portugal, Serbia and Colombia in the last 16 of the Fifa under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

As Groups C and D wrapped up pool play, Mali and Uruguay drew 1-1 to finish equal second in Group D with identical points and goal tallies.

After drawing lots to separate them, Uruguay got second place with Mali going through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Uruguay scored through a delicate first-half goal by Franco Acosta, who deflected the ball past the goalkeeper.

Mali levelled just before the break with an Adam Traore free kick that found the bottom corner of the net and set up an uneventful second half with both sides playing not to lose rather than to win.

All four sides in Group D had started the final pool round on three points, with Serbia getting a 2-0 win over Mexico to earn top spot and send the Central Americans home.

Nemanja Maksimovic put the Europeans 1-0 ahead in the second minute and Andrija Zivkovic added a stunning free kick just before half time.

Colombia, who lost to Portugal 3-1 in Group C, sneaked into the last 16 on goal difference ahead of Senegal, who have a nerve-wracking wait to see if they too will be among the best third-placed teams.

Portugal finished comprehensive winners of the group, scoring 10 goals and conceding only the one to Colombia.

With Colombia’s participation hanging by a thread, Santos Barrera found the net with a 74th-minute goal that gave them second place in their pool with four points and a -1 differential.

Senegal also finished with four points, but their 2-1 win over Qatar meant they finished third with a -2 goal difference and an anxious wait until the end of pool play today to see if they will make the round of 16. —