France have won through to the Round of 16 after winning by the odd goal in seven, following a classic FIFA U-17 World Cup contest in Puerto Montt.

(watch the highlights here)

France scored in the opening minutes through Bilal Boutobba, and soon doubled their lead with the first of two goals from Nanitamo Ikone.

However, with perfect timing Paraguay pulled a goal back seconds before the break thanks to an Arturo Aranda penalty, with the same player earning his reward after hitting the post earlier with a free-kick.

The second half proved more of the same with goals and end-to-end action, though France were good value for the victory.

Paraguay twice drew level either of the hour mark as the teams shared three goals in a five-minute spell as each pushed forward at every opportunity.

However, it was Ikone that was to have the final say 19 minutes from the end, when he cut in and caught out the goalkeeper with a snap shot that proved to be the winner.

The win maintains France perfect record, as well as their goalscoring form, following an opening 6-1 victory over New Zealand.

Paraguay, for their part, are still well placed in Group F,  thanks to their opening 4-1 win against Syria.

In Group E, South Africa’s hope of qualification remains dicey after a draw with South Korea on Thursday night.

It was  an entertaining 1-1 draw which helped neither side in their quest to progress from the group.

Thendo Mukumela’s early penalty came after Ri Kuk Hyon had been dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, before an equalising spot kick by Kim Wi Song saw the Young Chollima level shortly after.

Despite a number of clear-cut chances for both sides, neither team could take advantage and claimed a point apiece, after their respective opening day defeats.

​But South Africa coach, Molefi Ntseki believes the team has chances to go through.

“We started the match well, with an early penalty that gave us the 1-0 lead. However, our enthusiasm worked against us. We lost our focus, and our opponent took advantage of it. We created goal chances, but Korea DPR’s great defensc denied us more goals.

” Even with this result, we still have hopes of moving on to the next phase. If we win our next match, against Russia, we’d have four points, which could see us through the group stage to the knockout round”.