England, Mali reach U-17 World Cup semis
fatorda — England thrashed the US 4-1 in their quarterfinal clash of the Fifa U-17 World Cup here on Saturday.
Rhian Brewster (11th, 14th, 90+6 minutes) grabbed a hat trick for England while Gibbs White (64th) completed the tally.
Josh Sargent got a consolation goal for the US in the 72nd minute.
Earkier, Mali won the battle of west African giants, beating Ghana 2-1 in the other quarterfinal.
Hadji Drame (15th minute) and Djemoussa Traore (61st) struck once in each half for Mali while Kudus Mohammed (70th) replied for Ghana through a penalty.
It was a replay of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final in Gabon earlier this year where Mali defeated Ghana 1-0 to win the continental title. Mali maintained their dominance over their fancied rivals in a fast paced, physical encounter in pouring rain and a muddy, water logged pitch at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
Ghana had been impressive in the group stages and Round of 16, but their attacking prowess could hardly make its presence felt on Saturday as Mali put in a superb performance in both attack and defence.
Mali dominated proceedings right from the start and put the Ghana defence under constant pressure with their repeated attacks.
The Mali defence also did a good job, keeping the much vaunted Ghana forwardline at bay.
Mali took the lead off the counter when they won the ball in their own half near the centre circle which ultimately found its way to Hadji Drame who used his physical streghth to see off a challenge before powering in at the near post. —