Italy numbed by incisive Colombia

Italy's 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship got off to a disappointing start against Colombia as two late goals saw them open their Group E campaign with a defeat.

Viviano beaten
The 2003 European Under-19 champions were second best for much of the encounter in Tilburg, but it was not until the 76th minute that Colombia finally found the breakthrough, Wason Renteria volleying Harrison Otalvaro's cross past Italy goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

Pelle chances
Italy, who had offered little before then, responded well with Graziano Pelle twice working openings. The Catania Calcio striker snatched at his first effort, which went well wide, but his second, an acrobatic volley, forced a brilliant save from Libis Arenas. With Italy pressing for an equaliser, substitute Fredy Guarin then sealed victory with a powerful effort in added time.

Syria date
In the section's other game Canada recovered from conceding a second-minute goal from Majed Al Haj to earn a 1-1 draw against Syria. Ipswich Town FC midfield player Jaime Peters scored the equaliser just after the half-hour mark and although both sides had chances to claim victory, neither could capitalise. Syria next face Italy on Wednesday, while Canada meet Colombia.