Italy through despite defeat

Italy loss
Holding four points from their first two Group B games, European Under-21 champions Italy required a draw against Paraguay in Athens to seal a last-eight slot. But Fredy Bareiro gave Paraguay a 14th-minute lead they never relinquished, leaving Italy needing already-eliminated Japan to beat Ghana in Volos and allow them to advance in second place.

Azzurri relief
Japan did just that, Yoshito Okubo's 37th-minute goal securing a 1-0 success. Italy, as runners-up, remain in Athens to face a quarter-final on Saturday against Group A winners Mali, while Paraguay play the Korean Republic in Thessaloniki.

Early lead
Portugal, however, knew they could not afford to lose to Costa Rica in Group D if they wished to avoid an early exit. And things began well for them in Heraklio as Hugo Almeida's 25th-minute goal gave the Portuguese a half-time advantage. However, João Paulo was dismissed just before the break for a second booking.

Portugal crumble
José Villalobos equalised early in the second half but within three minutes Jorge Ribeiro had restored Portugal's lead. That was as good as it got for the European team, though: Fernando Meira's 67th-minute own goal, an Alvaro Saborio strike three minutes later and Pablo Brenes's late effort giving Costa Rica a 4-2 victory. Portuguese woes were compounded by Hugo Viana's sending-off.

Costa Rican joy
Costa Rica finished second on goals scored ahead of Morocco despite the African side's 2-1 win against group winners Iraq. Salih Sadir had put Iraq ahead just after the hour, but Bouabid Benden's penalty levelled matters and Salaheddine Aqqal clinched the points 13 minutes from time. Iraq now meet Australia in Heraklio on Saturday while Costa Rica travel to Patras to face the only team with a maximum three victories, Argentina.