Argentina continue World Youth Cup goal spree
© Reuters Limited 2001
By Debora Rey
BUENOS AIRES, June 23 (Reuters) - Argentina followed up Wednesday's 7-1 win over Egypt by demolishing Jamaica 5-1 at the World Youth Cup on Saturday to finish the first round with a 100 per cent record. Brazil also finished with maximum points from their three games after an effortless 2-0 win over Canada who were eliminated. River Plate striker Javier Saviola, who scored a hat-trick against Egypt, scored two more against Jamaica to take his goal tally in the competition to five. The hosts, who have scored 14 goals in three matches, raced into a 3-0 lead inside 14 minutes in their group A match in Buenos Aires. Defender Fabricio Coloccini headed them in front after three minutes and Saviola scored the second with another header four minutes later following a poor clearance by Jamaica goalkeeper Allien Whittaker.
Esteban Herrera made it 3-0 in the 14th minute and added the fourth before halftime. Jamaica managed to stop the Argentina onslaught in the second half and Fabian Dawkins scored their only goal of the tournament in the 78th minute. But Saviola was on target again with an 86th minute penalty following a foul on his River Plate team-mate Andres D'Alessandro. Egypt recovered from Wednesday's mauling to finish second in the group and reach the last 16. They beat Finland 2-1 with goals in each half by Gamal Hamza and Wael Reyad.
SJOLUND CONSOLATION
Daniel Sjolund scored a consolation for Finland, who finished third with three points and will have to wait until Sunday to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. Jamaica finished last and were eliminated. Brazilian striker Robert joined Saviola on five goals after grabbing the second goal against Canada in their group B match in Cordoba. Flamengo striker Adriano had opened the scoring in the first half. Germany went through with a 3-1 win over Iraq, despite falling behind to an own goal by Denis Lapaczinski in the 37th minute. Iraq, who finished third with three points, led for only three minutes before Christoph Preuss equalised.
Two goals in a five-minute spell during the second half by Michael Zepek and Benjamin Auer won the game for the Germans, who finished second in group B. Canada went home without a point or goal. A 1-1 draw between Ukraine and the United States in Mendoza sent both teams through from group C. China also guaranteed a place as one of the best third-placed teams despite losing 1-0 to Chile. An 89th minute free kick from Denis Stoyan earned Ukraine the draw, and top place in the group with five points, after Kenny Arena had put the U.S. ahead. The U.S. finished second with four points, ahead of China on goal difference. Mario Berrios gave Chile their win over China with an 87th minute goal. But the South Americans still finished bottom of the group. Saturday's results also ensured that the Czech Republic, Angola, Ecuador and France qualified regardless of their results on Sunday. Australia need a point against Angola in group D to advance, while in group E the Netherlands, who have one point, can avoid elimination by beating Ethiopia.
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