Dante Rigo celebrates his goal

Belgium held on to their first half goal  against Costa Rica to set up a meeting with Mali in the semi-final, of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile on Thursday.

Dante Rigo’s stunning free-kick saw off the Central Americans, in Concepcion and set up a last four clash with Mali in La Serena on Thursday, an encounter that Belgium’s coach has dubbed “a game between David and Goliath”.

Both sides  featured in Group D, playing a goalless draw in the first match of the group. It was a game where Mali created many chances but wasted them all, earning the nickname, Profligate Mali.

They will thus renew their rivalry, with  each hoping to continue writing new chapters of footballing history with an inaugural U-17 World Cup final berth the prize on offer.

Bob Browaeys, Belgium coach underscored the achievement of his boys: “It was a tough match against a strong opponent but this is normal in a World Cup quarter-final. The free-kick of Dante Rigo was fantastic. He had bad luck in the previous matches where he hit the post or the goalkeeper saved the ball. After our lead it was a different game. Both teams had some chances, especially us with counter attacks. Furthermore we defended quite well. We are not a favourite for the title. Nigeria and Mexico are as they are very often in the semi-final at this age. Mali have impressed and are also a favourite. It is only our second U-17 World Cup. It is a game between David and Goliath. Our first match was against Mali. It was 0-0 after 90 minutes, but Mali created many chances. We will prepare as well as possible and we will try to find solutions to stop Mali.”

Meanwhile,  Marcello Herrera, coach of Costa Rica lamented his sides loss:  “I’m sad and proud. The players gave their best. Congratulations to Belgium, and thanks to Chile and the people here in Conception for their hospitality. It is a process where we go through. This is the beginning and not the end. I believe in this team.”