Nigeria showed some defensive frailties in its 3-3 draw with Sweden at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.The Scandinavians, playing in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup, stuck to their game-plan.The Swedes only needed 11 minutes to shock the much-feared Golden Eaglets, and the goal came from a hopeful ball lofted into the penalty area from deep in midfield. Nigerian keeper Dele Alampsu thought he had a chance at intercepting and raced out of his net, but Erdal Rakip got to the ball first and nodded across the face of goal. Valmir Berisha was on the spot to guide the ball home on the volley.8 minutes later, it was 2-0 to the Scandinavians when Anton Saletros bamboozled his man on the left flank and crossed deep into the penalty area. Berisha showed he had his shooting boots on as he expertly headed home his second goal of the contest.In the 20th minute, the Nigerians hit back in spectacular fashion with one of the goals of the tournament. Kalechi Iheanacho, four-goal scorer from the first game against Mexico, floated in a ball from midfield. It was met by Success Isaac, who swiveled and slammed into the far corner without the ball ever hitting the grass, all in one motion.Early in the second half, Mohlin failed to get his body behind the ball when Musa Yahaya tried a speculative shot from way out. The ball trickled between the keeper's legs and bobbled, almost apologetically, over the line as the tried desperately to recover.The 65th minute saw the Swedes back into the lead. Saletros chested the ball on goal from close range and Alampsu could only parry away. Unfortunately for the keeper, substitute Mirza Halvadzic was lurking on the doorstep and slid home to make it 3-2.But the talented and irrepressible Africans didn't give up. Awoniyi's powerful header, with ten minutes to go, was too much for Mohlin to keep out and the game ended honours even.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
U-17 World Cup: Nigeria 3-3 Sweden
Nigeria showed some defensive frailties in its 3-3 draw with Sweden at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.The Scandinavians, playing in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup, stuck to their game-plan.The Swedes only needed 11 minutes to shock the much-feared Golden Eaglets, and the goal came from a hopeful ball lofted into the penalty area from deep in midfield. Nigerian keeper Dele Alampsu thought he had a chance at intercepting and raced out of his net, but Erdal Rakip got to the ball first and nodded across the face of goal. Valmir Berisha was on the spot to guide the ball home on the volley.8 minutes later, it was 2-0 to the Scandinavians when Anton Saletros bamboozled his man on the left flank and crossed deep into the penalty area. Berisha showed he had his shooting boots on as he expertly headed home his second goal of the contest.In the 20th minute, the Nigerians hit back in spectacular fashion with one of the goals of the tournament. Kalechi Iheanacho, four-goal scorer from the first game against Mexico, floated in a ball from midfield. It was met by Success Isaac, who swiveled and slammed into the far corner without the ball ever hitting the grass, all in one motion.Early in the second half, Mohlin failed to get his body behind the ball when Musa Yahaya tried a speculative shot from way out. The ball trickled between the keeper's legs and bobbled, almost apologetically, over the line as the tried desperately to recover.The 65th minute saw the Swedes back into the lead. Saletros chested the ball on goal from close range and Alampsu could only parry away. Unfortunately for the keeper, substitute Mirza Halvadzic was lurking on the doorstep and slid home to make it 3-2.But the talented and irrepressible Africans didn't give up. Awoniyi's powerful header, with ten minutes to go, was too much for Mohlin to keep out and the game ended honours even.
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