ENGLAND EASILY OVERPOWER USA to book semis berth, brewster slams hat-trick in big win
MARGAO
Riding on a richly deserved hat-trick by Rhian Brewster, England registered a comprehensive 4-1 victory over USA to move into their first-ever semi-finals at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
A game which had all the makings of a well-fought encounter was not to be, as the preying England Young Lions dictated the pace from the outset against the Stars and Stripes. The first-session was not short of any edge-of-the seat action with a lot of shots on targets, a few close calls and a number of fine saves from the custodians from either team.
The fettered Americans conceded their first in the 11th minute; Philip Foden on the right flank sent a scorcher on target with a diving USA keeper palming the ball way to England striker Brewster who was within the six yards box to slot it into the back of the nets. Barely three minutes later, the Young Lions doubled their lead with Philip Foden sending a through ball to Brewster, who rolled the ball home between the legs of the USA ‘keeper. Dealt with a double blow, USA quickly got into a huddle but nothing much was to change thereafter. USA's first piece of action came only on the 18th minute when Andrew Carleton's strike from a fair distance missed the far post by not much.
Post resumption, England came hard at USA with a series of corners in the rival half. The Young Lions dominance was telling to the hour mark with their defence reaching up to midfield with even defender Steven Sessesgnon taking an ambitious shy on goal. On the 64th minute, Brewster, was in thick of action again with an assist from the edge of the right-end of the box laying the ball to Morgan Gibbs White who coolly tapped the ball into the nets to make it 3-0. Four minutes later, USA had a rather easy chance to pull back one through substitute Sergino Dest close to goal but he muffed the through ball effort by Carleton. But they were soon to salvage some pride when the tireless working Carleton, one of the bright spots among the Stars and Stripes, slammed it in but the effort palmed away by the England ‘keeper Curtis Anderson but a lurking USA captain Josh Sargent sent it home to reduce the margin at 3-1.
The game ended on a sour note for the Americans with substitute Sergino Dest bringing down Brewster with a bad foul. Brewster converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and send England into their first semi-finals
at this level.
