October 14, 2017 by admin

Brazil beat Niger 2-0, Iran blank Costa Rica

Margao, October 14
Tournament favourites Brazil lived up to their billing as they scored a convincing 2-0 victory over Niger to top Group D in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today. The three-time champions scored through Lincoln (4th minute) and Brenner (34th). Debutants Niger gave a good account of themselves and performed better in the second half.
They had their share of chances, but found the rival keeper Gabriel Brazao a hard nut to crack. Brazil topped the group with nine points, while Spain, who beat DPR Korea at Kochi in the day’s other match, finished second with six points.
Meanwhile, Iran blanked Costa Rica 3-0 in their final group match to top Group C. Mohammad Ghobeishavi (25th minute) converted a penalty to give Iran the lead before Taha Shariati (29th) doubled the advantage off another spot-kick a short while later.
Mohammad Sardari (89th) completed the tally towards the end.