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5 November 2009
Abuja — Columbia on Wednesday ousted favourites Argentina from the Under-17 World Cup in a victory their coach Remiro Viafara attributed to his players' determination.
Viafara lauded his boys, who overcame a two-goal deficit to send the South American runners-up home 3-2 at the Ijebu-Ode Gateway International Stadium.
In a post-match briefing, Viafara thanked God and his players for the victory, admitting that either side could have won the game.
Argentina shot into the lead 17 minutes into the game through Daniel Villalva and Sergio Araujo doubled scores for his side 40 minutes later.
The determined columbians fought back gamely, piling up pressure which paid off when Wilson Cuero brought his team back to the match with a goal in the 62nd minute.
The winners' persistent pressure yielded dividend when the Argentine skipper Esteban Espinolda handled the ball and got the marching orders.
The resultant penalty kick was however lost by Gustavo Cuellar.
Jean Blanco levelled up for the Colombians two minutes to time and Hector Quinones' added time goal sealed victory for the Colombians and a place in the quarter-finals.
An excited Viafara said he was looking forward to playing in the final.
"I hope to make it to the final, if we happen to play Nigeria at any stage of the competition, we would do our best, because at this stage of the championship any team could win," he said.
He said the boys were now motivated to take on any opponent after the victory over their fellow South Americans.
Argentina's coach, Jose Brown, blamed the loss on the red card given to his captain.
He commended his players for their performance, saying that he had not bargained to leave Nigeria so early.
He said his boys did not disappoint him. "They just had a bad day, they are young and still learning. They have a good future ahead of them,"Brown said.
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