Argentina Edges Nigeria in Final
Argentina won the FIFA World Youth Championship, defeating Nigeria, 2-1, on Lionel Messi’s two penalty kicks for a record fifth title on Saturday at Utrecht, Netherlands.
The two goals also turned the FC Barcelona midfielder into the top scorer in the under-20 competition with six goals. He was also named the player of the tournament.
“Messi played a great tournament, but the championship was won by the whole group,” said Argentina Coach Francisco Ferraro after his country won its fourth title in the last six tournaments.
Argentina went ahead in the 40th minute when Messi converted a penalty kick he had earned. The team’s playmaker was on a 40-yard run through the defense when Dele Adeleye floored him near the goal line.
Nigeria, trying to become the first team from Africa to win the tournament, tied the score in the 53rd minute when Chinedu Ogbuke converted a spectacular diving header on a cross from the right by Olubayo Adefemi.
The decider in the 72nd minute came after Monday James fouled substitute Sergio Aguero, and Messi chose the right corner to place his penalty kick.
Nigeria Coach Samson Siasia blamed referee Terje Hauge for the loss.
“He keeps giving all these cheap penalties,” said Siasia, who also blamed his defenders for getting into such risky situations in the first place. “If you play in the final like this, you don’t give up penalties like that.”
Before a sellout crowd of 25,000 which included FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter, the final featured good defense with sparkling offense fueled by Messi for Argentina and John Obi Mikel for the Nigerians.
Before Argentina’s first penalty kick, Nigerians James and Sani Kaita received yellow cards for bringing down opponents to deny the Argentines a clear run at goalie Ambruse Vanzekin. Nigeria’s defense, already hurt by the suspension of Onyekacki Apam, also struggled to contain Messi and speedy teammate Gustavo Oberman.
Earlier, defending champion Brazil, a four-time winner, beat Morocco, 2-1, on late goals by Edcarlos and Rafael Sobis to claim third place in the three-week, 24-nation competition.
Brazil Coach Rene Weber said he had difficulty motivating his team after it lost to Argentina in the semifinals.
“Brazilians don’t accept that; for Brazil it is very important to be first,” he said. “Second and third don’t count. Still I am happy to take third place.”
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Youth champions
Results of the championship matches of the FIFA World Youth Championship:
* 2005 -- Argentina 2, Nigeria 1
* 2003 -- Brazil 1, Spain 0
* 2001 -- Argentina 3, Ghana 0
* 1999 -- Spain 4, Japan 0
* 1997 -- Argentina 2, Uruguay 1
* 1995 -- Argentina 2, Brazil 0
* 1993 -- Brazil 2, Ghana 1
* 1991 -- Portugal 0, Brazil 0, Portugal won 4-2 on penalty kicks
* 1989 -- Portugal 2, Nigeria 0
* 1987 -- Yugoslavia 1, West Germany 1, Yugoslavia won 5-4 on penalty kicks
* 1985 -- Brazil 1, Spain 0
* 1983 -- Brazil 1, Argentina 0
* 1981 -- West Germany 4, Qatar 0
* 1979 -- Argentina 3, Soviet Union 1
* 1977 -- Soviet Union 0, Mexico 0, Soviet Union won 7-6 on penalty kicks
