The first team to make the pre-quarterfinals from Group F in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, England yesterday found themselves in a state of "luxury", but coach Steve Cooper warned against complacency
England's Sancho celebrates a goal versus Mexico in Kolkata yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
The first team to make the pre-quarterfinals from Group F in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, England yesterday found themselves in a state of "luxury", but coach Steve Cooper warned against complacency. Up 3-0 inside one hour, England conceded two goals in a space of seven minutes to settle for a 3-2 win against two-time champions Mexico.
England's Sancho celebrates a goal versus Mexico in Kolkata yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
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"It's a luxury to qualify after two games. But we are not thinking past the group stage yet. We have to show respect to our next opposition by recovering and putting on a good show again," Cooper said about their final group match against Iraq here in three days' time.
'We showed our strength'
"Today was a difficult game as well. It shows quality and strength. We showed that in abundance tonight. We are ready to recover and play the next game. I'm pleased with the performance" he added. Should they top the group, England will play their pre-quarterfinal at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The England defence crumbled in the last 30 minutes as El Tri bounced back through a splendid brace by Diego Lainez. "We were wary of them in the second half. As for conceding the two goals, this can happen with youngsters. It's a learning curve for them. "But we did not crumble and concede a third. We have got six points from two games and that's more important," Cooper added.
Iraq stun Chile 3-0
Iraq tasted their maiden win of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup as Mohammed Dawood struck twice to inspire them to a 3-0 rout of Chile in their second group game at the Salt Lake Stadium yesterday. Dawood struck in the sixth and 68th minutes in the Group F match and led a one-man attack superbly as a historic pre-quarterfinal berth beckons the Lions of Mesopotamia in their second U-17 World Cup appearance. Chile conceded an own goal through substitute Diego Valencia in the 81st minute. With yesterday's loss, Chile, the last edition hosts, are virtually out of the tournament.