There are three more names on the list of quarter-finalists at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019, with Ukraine, Ecuador and Senegal all winning their Round of 16 ties on Monday.
The Ukrainians made short work of surprise performers Panama, whose plan of sitting deep and keeping it tight at the back was undone when they conceded three first-half goals.
Though the Central Americans tried to launch a comeback, the European side, who continue to impress with their cohesion and teamwork, were in no mood to be charitable. Ukraine’s opponents in the quarter-finals are Colombia.
The day’s other match-ups were both continental derbies. Having scraped through to the knockout phase, Ecuador edged an exciting and hard-fought contest against Uruguay, thanks in part to two penalties won and converted.
The reigning South American champions, La Tricolor proved ruthlessly efficient from the spot and will now meet either France or USA in the last eight.
In the evening’s all-African meeting, Nigeria paid for their first-half profligacy in front of goal against Senegal and ended up chasing the game in vain in the second half. The Young Lions of Teranga will now take on the winners of the Asian derby between Japan and Korea Republic.
Results
Uruguay 1-3 Ecuador
Ukraine 4-1 Panama
Senegal 2-1 Nigeria