by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Istanbul, Turkey

Derik Osede and Jese Rodriguez scored late goals to carry Spain past Mexico, 2-1, and into the quarterfinal round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Ali Sami Yen Arena.

The Mexicans led for 72 minutes after Arturo Gonzalez scored in the first minute on but Osede scored in the 73rd minute to the tie the game.

Thirteen minutes later, Jese created a space for himself well before firing a game-winner from the edge of the area to secure a quarterfinal spot for Spain.

Jese has scored for the fourth straight game, joining Juan Roman Riquelme, Adriano, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona as the only players to achieve the feat in the U-20 World Cup.

Jese could aim for Hungarian Vladimir Koman's record of five straight games when the Spaniards take on Uruguay in the last eight.

Earlier, Uruguay edged a 10-man Nigerian side, 2-1, behind two goals from Nicolas Lopez in the second half.

Lopez put Uruguay ahead in the 65th minute but Olarenwaju Kayode tied the count three minutes later. In the 83rd minute, Lopez buried a penalty kick to put Uruguay ahead en route to victory.

Meanwhile, France advanced to the quarterfinal after a resounding 4-1 victory over host Turkey.

Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jean-Christophe Bahebeck, Yaya Sanogo and Jordan Veretout scored for France while Sinan Bakis gave fans something to cheer about with a goal in the 76th minute.

The French will take on Uzbekistan, which defeated Greece, 3-1.

 

Soccer News & Analysis ...

 

More Soccer News & Analysis ...

 

Article: Copyright ©. All Rights Reserved

"Spain Survives Mexico, Advances to U-20 World Cup quarterfinal "