Mexico tops Brazil 1-0 at U-17 World Cup

October 28, 2009

Miguel Basulto pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and scored in the 70th minute to give Mexico a 1-0 victory over Brazil on Tuesday, re-energizing El Tri’s chances to advance at the Under-17 World Cup.

The Chivas prospect capitalized when Brazilian keeper Alisson, who had come off his line to smother the danger, was unable to hold the ball. It deflected to the feet of Basulto, who finished easily to give Mexico the lead.

In Abjua, Honduras allowed a lone second-half goal for the second consecutive match and fell to host Nigeria 1-0, seriously jeopardizing its chances to reach the second round.

Brazil had slightly more possession and more shots, but the Mexicans had the better quality chances in a rematch of the 2005 U-17 final won by Mexico 3-0.

Daniel Guzman forced a reaction save by Alisson in the 42nd and Carlos Campos’ left-footed free kick from 23 meters over the wall had to be pushed away at the right post.

Mexico goalkeeper Jose Rodriguez, who scored an own-goal in Mexico’s opening loss to Switzerland, redeemed himself with several saves, including a leaping stab to push Coutinho’s 25-meter blast over the bar in the 52nd.

The result left Mexico in third place in Group B with three points, three back of Switzerland and just behind Brazil on goal difference. Mexico will play winless Japan on Friday, when Brazil and Switzerland will square off.

In Abjuja, Abdul Ajagun launched a right-footed shot from just outside the area in the 55th minute and Nigeria handed Honduras its second 1-0 loss. For the second straight match, Honduras gave up a large percentage of the possession and was outshot, but did manage an effort by Antony Lozano from 20 meters that forced Nigerian keeper Dami Paul to make a save in the 50th.

Honduras remained at the bottom of Group A with no points and a game against Germany on Friday pending.

LAGOS, Nigeria

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