Doha, Qatar: Four-time champions Brazil fought back to edge last edition's runners-up France 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, while Portugal stormed into the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 with a 5-0 win over Mexico.

The quarter-finals, scheduled for Friday, will also feature Morocco, Italy, Burkina Faso, Japan, Austria and Switzerland, who all won their Round of 16 matches on an eventful day at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex.

At the Ibrahim Khalfan Pitch, goalkeeper Joao Pedro emerged as Brazil's hero again, blocking Abdoulaye Camara's first penalty before denying Milan Leccese. Ruan Pablo then sealed victory for the Selecao.

Pedro, who also starred in Brazil's shootout victory over Paraguay in the Round of 32, earlier blocked a spot kick from Christ Batola in the first half.

France took the lead in the 33rd minute through Remi Himbert, with Luis Eduardo hitting the post and Paolo missing a late penalty as Brazil pushed for an equaliser.

Pietro Tavares finally struck in the 89th minute, sending the match to a shootout and extending Brazil's march in the tournament after Pedro's heroics.

“It's always a great game against France, with history in youth football as well. This makes us even stronger in the competition,” said Brazil coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci.

Brazil will face Morocco in the quarter-finals after the Atlas Lions edged Mali 3-2 at Mansour Muftah Pitch.

Ismail El Aoud scored twice following Ziyad Baha's opener for Morocco, while Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembele found the net for Mali in the all-African clash.

Portugal dominate Mexico

Portugal punished nine-man Mexico after a second-half onslaught at Bader Bilal Pitch. Captain Rafael Quintas converted a 15th-minute penalty before Mexico were reduced to 10 men following a red card to Jose Navarro in the 36th minute.

Anisio Cabral added his sixth goal of the tournament, followed by strikes from Zeega, Miguel Figueredo and Yoan Pereira in the last 10 minutes. Santiago Lopez's red card in the 88th minute capped Mexico's difficult evening.

Portugal players celebrate after scoring a goal. PIC: FPF

Portugal will meet Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland eliminated debutants Ireland with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Mohammed Ghanim Pitch. Adrien Llukes opened the scoring in the 57th minute, Sandro Wyss doubled the lead in the 69th and Mladen Mijajlovic sealed the victory in the 86th minute, despite Vinnie Leonard pulling one back for Ireland in the 82nd minute.

Burkina Faso edge Uganda on penalties

At Khaled Ballan Pitch, Burkina Faso ended Uganda's dream run, winning 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Arafat Nkoola gave Uganda the lead in the 56th minute, while Alassana Bagayogo equalised in the 77th.

Uganda's substitute Derick Ssozi missed his penalty as Burkina Faso maintained a perfect shootout record, booking a quarter-final clash with Italy.

“We knew it would be a tough team to beat, but we did everything we could to give ourselves the best chance, and we're really proud of ourselves - even in the penalty shootout,” said Burkina Faso captain Cherif Barro.

At Mahmoud Soufi Pitch, Thomas Campaniello scored a brace as Italy ended Uzbekistan's campaign with a 3-2 victory.

Campaniello netted the opener in the 19th minute and added another in the 68th, after Amirkhon Muradov had equalised. Dauda Iddrisa made it 3-1 for Italy, with Azizbek Erimbetov scoring a late consolation in stoppage time.

“I'm very happy because my two goals helped us go to the quarter-finals. But it's not just credit to me, it's all credit to the team. We are all fighting together. We are getting more and more confident,” said Campaniello.

Austria crush England

A 50th-minute red card to England striker Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez proved costly as Austria won 4-0 at Adel Mallala Pitch. Hasan Deshishku opened the scoring in the 47th minute, followed by a double from Johannes Moser after Rodriguez's sending off.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe completed the victory in the 86th minute.

“We were very prepared for England, and we implemented the match plan very well. We had great team spirit and a great willingness (to work hard). The win was deserved, said Austria coach Hermann Stadler.

Austria will now face Japan in the quarter-finals.

Japan advanced after defeating North Korea 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Khaled Salman Pitch.

Jelani Ren McGhee scored for Japan in the sixth minute, while captain Ri Hyok-gwang equalised for North Korea in the 67th minute. Japan ultimately prevailed in the shootout to secure their place in the last eight.

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