FIFA U-20 World Cup: Mali defeats Germany, joins Senegal in semi-finals
Mali and Senegal, the two remaining African teams at the ongoing 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, yesterday caused major upsets at the competition in qualifying for the semifinals of the competition.
They beat European champions, Germany and Uzbekistan respectively to make the last four.
Mali defeated European soccer powerhouse, Germany 4-3 on penalties after they tied 1-1 in regulation time in their quarterfinal encounter in Christchurch.
On the other hand, Senegal made short work of Uzbekistan 1-0 in Wellington and qualified to meet Brazil, five-time winners (1953, 1985, 1993, 2003 and 2011), in the semi-finals.
Brazil have also been runners up thrice (1991, 1995 and 2009) and third-place finishers in 1977, 1989 and 2005. They defeated Portugal 3-1 on penalties after drawing 0-0 in regulation play yesterday.
Mali will take on Serbia, which qualified after defeating the U.S., 6-5 on penalties following a 0-0 draw at full and extra times.
Nigeria and Ghana had earlier exited the competition in the round of 16. Ghana was beaten 3-0 by Mali and Nigeria was sent home 1-0 by Germany in that round.
While Senegal are rookies in this competition, Mali were bronze medalists in 1999.
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