Final Results

These are the last results of the first stage in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005. The quarterfinals will begin on September 23.

Group A

Ghana - China 1-1

Perú- Costa Rica 0-2

Group B

México - Turkey 1-2

Uruguay -Australia 1-2

Group C

Côte d'Ivoire - USA 1-1

Korea DPR – Italy 1-1

Group D

Netherlands - Gambia 2-0

Brazil - Qatar 6-0

Brazil and Netherlands win Group D

Group D could hardly have had a worse start for the defending champions as they lost 3:1 to Gambia, though their defeat of the Netherlands was hailed as one of the greatest games in the championship and that turned fortunes around for coach Nelson Rodrigues and his team. A closing 6:0 goal fiesta against Qatar rocketed them to the top of the group and there is every reason to suspect that a side which looked in true danger of early elimination may yet go all the way back to the final again. Everybody expects the Brazilians to be skilful and so it is with this selection, with winger Anderson arguably the pick of the bunch. His performance against Holland was especially noteworthy, as was that of goalkeeper Felipe, who seems destined for an extremely bright future. Team captain Denilson is an inspired leader, while the goals of Ramon and Igor could provide the platform for a successful title defence.

Italy fails as USA and Korea go to the next stage

No one could have predicted the final positions in Group C at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005. For in Chiclayo, it has been the quality of the Americans and the Koreans that has risen to the top. The stars and stripes have come out playing a slick, no-nonsense game, while the Koreans recovered from a stuttering start to showcase their main assets of frightening pace and technical prowess.

After loosing the classification against Korea (1:1), italian coach said: "We gave away goals by pushing too many people forward. It was very special to take part in the tournament, though. I would like to thank FIFA, the organisers and the wonderful people of Peru. We played three very tough games at the highest level. It has been a tremendous experience for my players and it's heartbreaking to have to say goodbye."