Qatar go down fighting against Italy as Portugal and Tunisia make flying starts

Doha: Hosts Qatar were edged 0 1 by Italy while Portugal and Tunisia recorded dominant victories on the opening day of the FIFA U 17 World Cup at the...

Doha: Hosts Qatar were edged 0-1 by Italy while Portugal and Tunisia recorded dominant victories on the opening day of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Competition Complex, Aspire Zone, yesterday.

Chasing their maiden crown, Argentina also claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory as eight matches were played on the first day of the youth tournament, which features 48 teams for the first time.

Before the Qatar-Italy match, a brief ceremony marked the official opening of the global competition, which will conclude with the final at Khalifa International Stadium on November 27.

Italy dominated the first half of the second Group A match, taking the lead in the 19th minute through Samuele Inacio at Mansour Muftah Pitch. Cristiano De Paoli had an early attempt before Inacio struck, capitalising on a brilliant through ball from Benit Borasio.

The Azzurrini continued to press, with Destiny Elimoghale, Inacio, Jean Mambuku and Andrea Luongo all testing Qatar’s defence before halftime.