It took nearly every second of match time available for Italy to see off Mexico 2-1 on Thursday in their Group F battle at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™.
Iyenoma Udogie's winner came four minutes into second-half stoppage time – only two minutes after Efrain Alvarez scored the goal that appeared to salvage a point for El Tri, Instead Italy stamped their place in the Round of 16 at Mexico's expense.
Udogie was the late hero for Gli Azzurrini, but goalkeeper Marco Molla's performance afforded him the opportunity. The Bologna youth product's evening included the first penalty save of this U-17 World Cup, when he denied Israel Luna in the 38th minute. Molla made two more point-blank saves on Luna attempts towards the end of each half, terrorising Mexico's No10. Degnand Gnonto claimed Italy's first goal with a barreling individual effort in the 74th minute.
By Olamide Oyetunji
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