U17 World Cup: Mexico 0-0 Chile: El Tri advance despite being wasteful in last group game

Mexico advanced to the Round of 16s despite playing out a goalless draw with Chile at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.

Mario Arteaga handed out a tournament debut for Marco Ruiz as the El Tri Ninos played in a 4-4-1-1 system with Jairo Torres as a supporting act to Roberto De la Rosa up top. Chile gave Nicolas Aravena, Ignacio Contreras and Matias Silva run-outs as they packed their backline with five men.

Mexico had the ball with them for most periods of time and de la Rosa's shot in the 20th minute ruffled Chilean feathers, although it was saved by 'keeper Julio Borquez who returned after his one-match suspension.

Lainez's curling free-kick four minutes later was met with an outstretched Borquez as the CD Iquique youngster kept his team alive despite his teammates' inefficacy in the final front. 

Chile's only moment of glory in the first half was a double save forced onto Mexico's keeper Cesar Lopez. Martin Lara's first-time shot from the left side was palmed away but even the rebound was diligently saved.

There was much intent in the second period but both teams were wasteful in the attacking zone. Ian Torres missed a sitter with only the last man to beat after a ball from Carlos Robles around the hour mark.

Chile lacked positioning sense as good balls to the forwards were miscued at a horrifying rate. Mexico too made a meal out on a couple of chances the wingers, who worked tirelessly, sent through Torres and then De la Rosa.

Lainez showed some individual brilliance to cross the ball across the face of goal but Torres shot wide of his target from the right side of the box.

In a moment of madness, Borquez came way out of his line and with an empty net staring in front of them, Daniel Lopez and De La Rosa made a meal as the latter only hit the crossbar in injury time.

With Mexico needing only a draw to ensure their progression, they shut shop and closed down Chile for the first goalless draw of the tournament.

Mexico finished third with two points while Chile were sent packing. El Tri Ninos now face Iran in the Round of 16 on 17 October in Goa.