Japan, Mexico in quarters, Brazil bid farewell despite win

Montevideo, Nov 21: Japan and Mexico drew 1-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the U-17 Women's World Cup here while Brazil bid farewell to the tournament despite beating South Africa 4-1 on the closing day of group B.

Japan and Mexico will face New Zealand and Ghana respectively, while the Brazilians once again saw their desire to win the women's World Cup in this category frustrated, reports Efe news.

In the match between Japan and Mexico on Tuesday, the Asians opened the scoring thanks to a goal by Momoka Kinoshita in the 40th minute. In the 63rd Alison Gonzalez equalised.

With five points and a balance of six goals, Japan qualified as first in group B and will face New Zealand, second of Group A, on November 24 at the Alberto Suppici stadium in Colonia.

Mexico, meanwhile, finished second with the same points, but one goal less, and will face Ghana, first in Group A, in the quarterfinals on November 25 at Charrua stadium here.

For the Brazilians, who won with goals from Jhenniffer in the 50th minute, Julia in the 51st, Amanda in the 54th and Maria Eduarda in the 60st, frustration has been huge this time around.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Ghana defeated New Zealand 2-0, to now have 9 points.

The Africans' goals were scored by Mukarama Abdulai, who now reached sixth spot in the tournament and is the solitary leader on the scoring chart.

Host Uruguay had to bid farewell to the Cup after a 1-1 draw against Finland. Esperanza Pizarro scored in the 79th minute for the locals after Aino Vuorinen opened the scoring for the Europeans in the 51st.