(MENAFN- Gulf Times) On a dramatic day at the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Aspire Zone yesterday, Brazil struck late to sink to Morocco and book their spot in the semi-finals. Austria had earlier edged out Japan to become the first team to book their place in the last four. Italy and Portugal followed them after respective victories over Burkina Faso and Switzerland.
Brazil 2-1 Morocco
Dell hit a stoppage-time winner as Brazil edged past Morocco in a dramatic quarter-final. The strike was his second of the game, after he had expertly converted a Ruan Pablo cross to give the South Americans the lead. Backed a feverish crowd, Morocco refused to buckle after falling behind and equalised on the stroke of half-time.
The African U-17 champions were awarded a penalty when Angelo fouled Ismail El Aoud in the box, and Ziyad Baha stepped up to fire in from 12 yards. The match seemed certain to be heading for a shootout, but Dell was to have the last word, racing clear before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home to break Moroccan hearts.
Austria 1-0 Japan
Austria edged Japan to make it six U-17 World Cup wins from six and secure a last-four tussle with Italy. Following an absorbing first half when both teams had chances to open the scoring, Austria hit the front just after the interval through Johannes Moser's fine curling finish.
It was his sixth goal of the tournament. Hasan Deshishku almost made it 2-0 but was denied by a stunning Shuji Muramatsu save. Japan substitute Minato Yoshida headed fractions over as they hunted a leveller, before Hiroto Asada's drive stung the palms of Austria stopper Daniel Posch. The Samurai Blue continued to pile on the pressure but could not break through. Deshishku then saw a late penalty saved, but the Austrians held out.
Austria captain Jakob Pokorny said:“It was a really tough match. Japan is a very good team and they played so well. I'm so happy we got the win. It's such a nice group to be a part of. We are a real team and it is a very special feeling.”
Italy 1-0 Burkina Faso
A late Thomas Campaniello goal proved the difference as Italy scraped by Burkina Faso to set up a meeting with Austria in the semi-finals. The Stallions twice came close in the first half, with electric attacker Mohamed Zongo striking the bar from range before smashing the post following a smart Alessandro Longoni stop.
Italy held firm and looked to have snatched it when Luca Reggiani tapped home from inside the six-yard box, but he was greeted with the offside flag as he wheeled away to celebrate. The flag wouldn't come to Burkina Faso's rescue five minutes later, though, as a poor goal-kick from Rahim Ouattara fell to Campaniello, who burst inside two defenders and lashed home.
Portugal 2-0 Switzerland
Jose Neto scored one of the goals of the tournament as Portugal reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1989 following a comfortable victory over Switzerland. The European champions dominated from the outset and launched wave after wave of attacks on the Swiss defence. Stevan Manuel had two glorious chances in quick succession when he blazed over the bar from 10 yards and then had a shot deflected wide.
The Portuguese pressure eventually paid off when Anisio Cabral made his presence felt following a deep pass into the Swiss area and the ball fell into the path of Mateus Mide, who powered home. Victory was sealed when full-back Neto rifled the ball from 20 yards into the corner of the net as Switzerland suffered their first-ever defeat at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Portugal coach Bino said: I knew the team was coming in with a lot of confidence. We had talked about the respect we must have for Switzerland. And that was fundamental because that respect made us very accurate defensively. We knew that with the ball we had quality and that we could create danger for our opponents. And that's what happened. After the first goal, we were calmer, Switzerland had to open up a bit more and we were able to create more chances. It's a deserved victory for Portugal. Difficult, but deserved."

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