Qatar's Adam Friakh (left) and Italy's Destiny Elimoghale vie for the ball possession.
Doha: Hosts Qatar were edged 0-1 by Italy while Portugal and Tunisia recorded dominant victories on the opening day of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Competition Complex, Aspire Zone, yesterday.
Chasing their maiden crown, Argentina also claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory as eight matches were played on the first day of the youth tournament, which features 48 teams for the first time.
Before the Qatar-Italy match, a brief ceremony marked the official opening of the global competition, which will conclude with the final at Khalifa International Stadium on November 27.
Italy dominated the first half of the second Group A match, taking the lead in the 19th minute through Samuele Inacio at Mansour Muftah Pitch. Cristiano De Paoli had an early attempt before Inacio struck, capitalising on a brilliant through ball from Benit Borasio.
The Azzurrini continued to press, with Destiny Elimoghale, Inacio, Jean Mambuku and Andrea Luongo all testing Qatar’s defence before halftime.
Alvaro Mejia’s side started the second half brightly, with Kamran Malak Omar Almarzouqi and Mohannad Jamil leading the attack. However, Italy soon regained control, creating several chances to extend their lead.
Flags of the participating nations are displayed at the opening ceremony yesterday.
Qatar pushed for a late equaliser, with substitute Eissa Waleed – one of three changes in the 70th minute – coming close with a powerful strike from distance that narrowly cleared the bar. Massimiliano Favo’s Italy held firm to begin their campaign on a winning note.
“The key was our focus. We stayed united and confident. After a great Euro, we’re ready for a great World Cup,” said Italy goalscorer Inacio.
Qatar will next face South Africa, while Italy take on Bolivia on Thursday.
“I’m proud of the players’ performance against one of the best teams in the world. We can make up for this result and look forward to our next match against South Africa,” said Qatar coach Mejia.
“I’m confident the players will show their best once they settle into the tournament atmosphere.”
Earlier, in an entertaining Group A opener at Bader Bilal Pitch, South Africa defeated Bolivia 3-1 despite a 36th-minute red card to Sive Pama.
Emile Witbooi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, converting from close range after his initial effort struck the post. Neo Bohloko doubled the lead in the 50th minute before Jesus Maraude pulled one back for Bolivia from the penalty spot in the 72nd. Shaun Els sealed victory for South Africa in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Six-star Portugal cruise; Japan blank Morocco
At Khaled Salman Pitch, U-17 European champions Portugal thrashed New Caledonia 6-1 in Group B, with Anisio Cabral scoring twice.
New Caledonia struck first through Ezekiel Wamowe’s 11th-minute penalty, but Cabral levelled in the 22nd and added another two minutes into the second half as Portugal ran riot.
Stevan Manuel (53’), Mateus Mide (59’), Mauro Furtado (85’) and Jose Neto (90+7’) completed the rout.
“We had many opportunities, but our lack of efficiency kept the game level at halftime. We stayed calm and started strong after the break, and it didn’t take long to go in front,” said Portugal coach Bino Macaes.
Portugal's Mauro Furtado (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's fifth goal against New Caledonia.
In the earlier Group B fixture at Khaled Ballan Pitch, Japan secured full points with a 2-0 win over Morocco. Taiga Seguchi broke the deadlock in the 57th minute and Diago Hirashima sealed victory deep into stoppage time.
“It was a tough match where one goal could change everything. Scoring first allowed us to control the game and finish it strongly,” said Japan coach Nozomi Hiroyama.
Argentina win thriller; Tunisia hit Fiji for six
Argentina battled to a 3-2 win over Belgium in a thrilling Group D clash at Ibrahim Khalfan Pitch.
Ramiro Tulian gave Argentina the lead in the 36th minute before Belgium responded through Arthur De Kimpe (45+4’) and Stan Naert (59’). Diego Placente’s side rallied, with Facundo Jainikoski equalising in the 68th minute and Felipe Esquivel scoring the winner three minutes later.
“We knew this would be the toughest match in the group. Belgium are strong technically and physically. I’m proud of the team’s character to come from behind twice and win,” said Argentina coach Placente.
Meanwhile, Tunisia produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Fiji in the other Group D match at Adel Mallala Pitch.
Wassim Slama (30’, 53’) and Fedi Tayechi (36’, 86’) scored two goals each, with Anisse Saidi (74’) and Saifedin Haj Abdallah also on target.
“Credit goes to the players for delivering the expected performance. These are three important points in our first World Cup, but we haven’t achieved anything yet. In two days, we face Argentina,” said Tunisia coach Mohamed Amine Naffati.
The opening day witnessed a good number of spectators.
Costa Rica, UAE share spoils
In Group C, Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates drew 1-1 at Mahmoud Soufi Pitch.
Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men in the first half after Isaac Badilla’s dismissal. The UAE went ahead in the 59th minute through Mayed Adel’s header from a corner, but Nick Bennette equalised three minutes later.
Senegal and Croatia also shared points after a goalless draw in the other Group C fixture at Mohammed Ghanim Pitch.
Eight more group-stage matches will follow today, with defending champions Germany facing Colombia in their Group G opener.
