Sweden kept the party going at their first FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Japan in their Round of 16 game in Sharjah. The Japanese had most of the possession, as is their custom, but Sweden got the crucial goals en route to a place in the quarter-finals, where they will meet either Honduras or Uzbekistan.

As has been his way here in UAE, Japan coach Horofumi Yoshitake made no fewer than eight changes to his team ahead of the Round of 16 contest. Even so, the east Asian skill-merchants bossed the first-half in terms of possession. But passing the ball around is one thing, and scoring goals is another. And it was the Swedes who turned their direct play into goals.

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 28: Valmir Berisha (C) of Sweden celebrates his team’s first goal with team mates during the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Round of 16 match between Japan and Sweden at Sharjah Stadium on October 28, 2013 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo FIFA)

The Scandinavians, powerful in the air and fast up the flanks, scored the opening goal after just 11 minutes. Mirza Halvadzic burst up the left side on a lightning counter-attack and crossed for Valmir Berisha, who poked home from point-blank range for his third goal of the finals.

Japan did their all to haul themselves back into the game, their neat passing style creating a few chances here and there. Kosei Uryu tried a shot in anger after 15 minutes and he had the ball in the goal eight minutes later, only to have his effort called back for offside.

They were punished for their profligacy three minutes on as the Swedes doubled their lead. Halvadzic burst up the wing again and fired a tame shot that Teimosii Shiraoka could only fumble. Striker Gustav Engvall was on hand to finish up the rebound for his third goal of the tournament.

Swedish goalkeeper Sixten Mohlin had to be on his toes in the dying minutes of the first half to keep out a tidy strike from Koji Miyoshi to keep it 2-0 for the Swedes at the interval. Japan were in need of a goal and they pushed forward early in the second half, chasing the game desperately. And they made it 2-1 after 56 minutes when new man Hiroki Ogawa burst into the danger zone on the end of a through ball and hit toward goal, where Sweden defender Linus Wahlqvist put the ball into his own ent while attempting to clear the danger.

But the yellow-clad side from northern Europe were back on the charge eight minutes after that. Elias Andersson drove his shot from a tight angle just the wrong side of the post after breaking into the penalty area. it proved their only real threat on goal for the entire second period. Japan, on the other hand, pressed and pressed through half-time substitute Ogawa, who added much-needed impetus to the Asian cause. But it wasn’t enough to save the day as Sweden keep their maiden U-17 finals going with a spot in the last eight.

Mexico sting Italy

Cup holders Mexico beat Italy 2-0 in Abu Dhabi in their Round of 16 clash to book a place in the quarter-finals, where they will meet the winner of Brazil’s game with Russia later on in the night. A goal in each half was enough to see the Mexicans, now fully recovered from their 6-1 mauling on opening day, back to their very best.

It took the Italians only 16 minutes of the game at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium to fashion their first chance. Federico Dimarco fired a decent-looking shot from distance that was tipped up over the bar by Raul Gudino. Two minutes later and it was Mexico’s turn to threaten. Ulises Jaimes – goal hero from the last Group F win over Sweden – turned cleverly in the box, but he could only hit his volley over the crossbar.

El Tri then got it right after 26 minutes when Alejandro Diaz moved the ball toward the penalty area and fired from well out. His curling his shot nestled into the top corner past the outstretched arm of Simone Scuffet in the Italian goal.

Both sides had chances to score as the half wound down, but Raul Gutierrez’s Mexico were able to protect their slim lead heading into the locker-room at the interval.

The Mexicans kept up the pressure at the start of the second half, but it was the Azzurrini who had the first effort of the period. Ivan De Santis swiveled and fired a shot toward the top corner that could only slip wide of the post. The Mexicans, who were committing fewer and fewer into attack, had a decent chance in the 72nd minute. Diaz’s cross flew in from wide to Marco Granados, whose shot from close in was saved by the brilliant Scuffet.

But while the Italians pressed for an equaliser, the wily Mexicans were alert to any openings on the counter-attack. Alberto Cerri’s shot over the bar in the 88th minute was the Europeans’ last best chance, and Christian Tovar supplied the killer ball for Mexico’s insurance goal deep into stoppage time. Ivan Ochoa did the honours, heading home into an open net after Scuffet was stranded to make the final score 2-0.