Nigeria marched into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a resounding 4-1 win over Iran on Tuesday night, while Argentina saw off stubborn resistance from Tunisia to join them.
First half goals from Samuel Okon, Arsenal-target Kelechi Iheanacho – his fifth goal of the tournament – and Musa Mohammed set the Golden Eaglets on their way.
Musa Yahaya added a fourth late on before Ali Gholizadeh netted a consolation in the dying minutes for the Iranians with a stunning strike. By then, though, it was too little, too late.
Meanwhile, Argentina set up a last eight showdown clash with African champions Ivory Coast after seeing off Tunisia 3-1 in Dubai.
The South Americans went in front through an early strike from German Ferreyra but Hazem Haj Hassen struck on the stroke of half-time to restore parity.
But the Albiceleste found an extra gear and Joaquin Ibanez and Sebastian Driussi scored the crucial goals to seal progress.
“We knew that Tunisia are a tough rival to play and they showed that today on the pitch,” said Argentina coach, Humberto. “They changed six players from their usual line-up which worried me a bit so I’m very happy that we managed the match the way we did.”
Ivory Coast booked a place in the quarter-finals after they shaded Morocco 2-1 in what was a rematch of the semi-final of the CAF African championship played in April.
Franck Kessie’s penalty gave the west Africans an early lead only for Moroccan sensation Younes Bnou Marzouk to draw level in the second half.
Junior Ahissan sealed the 2-1 victory for the Ivorians, who will now lie in wait for the Argentines on Saturday.
Elsewhere, 2011 runners-up Uruguay powered into the last eight with an emphatic 4-2 victory over Slovakia.
Uruguay, who had come from behind in their previous two games, flew into an early lead as Leandro Otormin punished a howler from Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Junas.
Kevin Mendez struck from the penalty spot after Franco Pizzichillo had been fouled. And the South Americans made it 3-0 three minutes before break when a corner kick was nodded home by Acosta.
Otormin made it 4-0 on the hour before the Slovaks restored some pride with Tomas Vestenicky and Michael Sipak reducing the arrears.
QUARTER FINALS:
Honduras v Sweden | Friday, 5pm | Al Ain
Brazil v Mexico | Friday, 8pm | Dubai
Argentina v Ivory Coast | Saturday, 5pm | Sharjah
Uruguay v Nigeria | Saturday, 8pm | Sharjah
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