Top South American teams through to FIFA U–20 WC

Montevideo, Feb 5: Argenti, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia booked their berth at this year’s New Zealand U–20 FIFA World Cup after the penultimate round of the South American U–20 Championship here. Top scorer Giovanni Simeone from Argenti, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, scored twice in his team’s 3–0 win over Paraguay Wednesday night, taking his goal tally to nine at the championship, reports Xinhua. Brazil substitute Thalles inspired his team to a 5–0 victory over Peru, while hosts Uruguay tied with Colombia after a goalless match. Argenti, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia are currently ranked first to fourth in the standings with fifth–placed Paraguay five points behind. With just one round left, the standings ensured the top four teams the continent’s four tickets to the New Zealand U–20 World Cup, which will kick off on May 30. IANS