The United States Under-17s have advanced to the round of 16 at the U-17 World Cup.
The young US side tied New Zealand, 0-0, in an uninspired performance in Pachuca, Mexico, on Saturday but the result was enough to put the Americans into the knockout stage. However, Wilmer Cabrera's side finished tied with the Kiwis in every tie-breaker for second place in Group D. FIFA was forced to conduct a random draw to determine which side finished second and which finished third in Group D. The US won the draw to take second place in the group.
For their good fortune, the Americans booked a date with the still-undetermined Group E winners. It is most likely to be Germany, who romped over Ecuador and Burkina Faso in their first two matches. The Germans face Panama on Sunday, needing only a draw to take top spot in the group.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will face Japan, who finished atop Group B.
Neither the US nor New Zealand seemed very interested in scoring in their match. The US outshot their opponents 20-4 on the night but had few quality chances. In the 51st minute, Alejandro Guido forced a save after a strong shot from inside the box.
Referee Bas Nijhui sent off Mark Pelosi by showing the questionable second yellow card in the 68th minute. The American will miss the next match.
Uzbekistan finished on top of Group D after a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
