Colombia beats Italy; Brazil, Nigeria battle to draw
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-13 10:06

Switzerland took a surprising lead in Group F of the World Youth Championship after Brazil's lackluster draw, and Colombia jumped ahead in Group E after beating Italy 2-0 Sunday.

Colombia's Dayro Moreno (R) collides with Italy's Framcesco Battaglia during their Group E, FIFA World Youth Championships match in Tilburg, Netherlands, June 12, 2005. Colombia won the match 2 - 0. [Reuters]

The Swiss team, which was drawn into the same group as defending champion Brazil, came back to beat South Korea 2-1. The Brazilians were held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria.

In the other group at the under-20 tournament, Syria and Canada played to a 1-1 draw, while the Colombians punished Italy's lack of aggression and got late goals from Wason Renteria and Fredy Guarin.

Reto Ziegler set up goals for Goran Antic and Johan Vonlanthen in a furious five-minute spell late in the first half to help Switzerland move to the top of its group with three points.

South Korea took the lead in the 25th minute when Shin Young-rok finished off a move that had the Swiss defense totally dislodged.

In an open match played in driving rain, the South Koreans pressured for an equalizing goal but were denied by Switzerland goalkeeper Daniel Lopar.

"After the first goal, the team got mentally loose," South Korea coach Park Sung-wha said. "That was our problem of the day. We have to be very aggressive in the next two games."

Switzerland plays Brazil next Wednesday, while South Korea meets Nigeria.

Brazil, which won the last World Youth Championship two years ago in the United Arab Emirates, failed to sparkle in its scoreless draw with Nigeria in Group F.

"The best part is that we played with a lot of effort," Brazil coach Rene Weber said.

The Brazilians complained that a disallowed goal should have given them victory.

Gladstone shoved the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble in the 25th minute, but referee Luis Cantalejo ruled the Brazilian had fouled Nigeria goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin in the process.

Nigeria nearly won the match in the 64th minute when substitute Chenedu Ogbuke headed a shot on goal, but Brazil goalkeeper Renan made a stunning reaction save to maintain the shutout.

Nigeria showed more grit in the match and forwards Promise Isaac and Soloman Okoronkwo shined while Brazil's offense looked sloppy.

"The worst part is that we did not convert the opportunities we were offered," Brazil striker Ernane said.

The match had been billed as the blockbuster game of the opening round but it left the 8,500-sellout crowd wet and disappointed.

"The rain made it very tough to control the ball," Nigeria coach Samson Siasia said. "We are satisfied with result because Brazil is a great team. Now our goal is to win the tournament."

The Colombians tested Italy goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano several times throughout the match, but the Italians managed to keep the score even until the 76th minute when Renteria scored off a cross from midfielder Harrison Otalvaro.

"The Italians shut down our midfield in the first half, but we starting getting through better in the second half," Renteria said.

Guarin made it 2-0 in extra time with a hard shot from outside the box that sailed into the left corner to put the Colombians in first place in the group.

Italy had a chance to equalize at 1-1 in the 90th, but Colombia 'keeper Libis Sand stopped Graziano Pelle's point-blank shot.

Syria took a 1-0 lead in the second minute when Majed Al Haj scored, but Jaime Peters answered in the 31st to give Canada the draw and a point.

The Canadians next face Colombia on Wednesday, while Italy takes on Syria.

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