UAE Spring a Shock as Spain, Brazil Progress

ABU DHABI, 10 December 2003 — Spain and Brazil booked their places in the FIFA World Youth Championship quarterfinals as expected yesterday with respective wins over Paraguay and Slovakia where they’ll be joined by hosts the United Arab Emirates and Colombia.

On a day of drama in Al Ain, Ireland came from two goals down against Colombia with five minutes remaining to take the game into extra time before Colombian substitute Erwin Carrillo won it with a golden goal in the first period of extra time.

Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates captain Ismail Matar sent the crowd in Sharjah wild with a last minute winner over fancied Australia.

Edixon Perea, easily Colombia’s most dangerous forward, put the South Americans ahead after 11 minutes when he outpaced the Irish defense and fired a low shot past the advancing Wayne Henderson in the Ireland goal. Ireland chased the game for rest of the first half without creating a clear-cut opportunity. However, Gerry Smith’s side came more into the match after the break with Stephen Elliot coming close with well struck efforts on 47 and 55 minutes.

But a wonder strike from Victor Montano 20 minutes from the end made it 2-0 and four minutes later Perea nearly made it three but his effort came back off a post.

Ireland substitute Kevin Doyle appeared to have got what was only a consolation goal when he fired home after being left unmarked in the area five minutes from time to make it 2-1.

But with Smith urging his side forward from the touchline, the Irish pushed on in numbers and, incredibly, Paddy McCarthy popped up to head home the equalizer in the second minute of added time to send the game into extra time where Carrillo broke Irish hearts.

Earlier, Brazil needed a golden goal from Dudu to finally overcome Slovakia.

Substitute Filip Sebo put Slovakia ahead just after the hour mark in Sharjah before Dudu made it 1-1 with his first goal seven minutes from the end of normal time.

Slovakia were then reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when substitute Kamil Kopunek, who was only on the pitch nine minutes, received his marching orders.

With the Europeans a man short and looking tired, Brazil poured forward in extra time and Dudu got his second five minutes into the first period to put the South Americans through. Brazil now face Japan Friday in Dubai while 1999 Youth Cup winners Spain meet Canada on the same day in Abu Dhabi after an impressive 1-0 win over Paraguay.