APTORONTO - Michael Bradley scored in the 107th minute, and the United States rallied past Uruguay 2-1 Wednesday night to advance to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
The United States, seeking its first title, plays Saturday against Austria, which defeated Gambia 2-1.
Luis Suarez put Uruguay ahead in the 73rd minute, scoring on a rebound after Edinson Cavani’s header was stopped by diving American goalkeeper Brian Perk, who couldn’t hold onto the ball.
The United States tied the score in the 87th minute when Danny Szetela’s cross intended for Andre Akpan was deflected into the net by Uruguayan defender Mathias Cardaccio.
Bradley, son of U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley, redirected the go-ahead goal past goalkeeper Yonatan Irrazabal in overtime following a corner kick.
“It said a lot about the character of the team,” captain Freddy Adu said. “We never quit, we never quit.”
When the game ended, players from both team shouted at each other and pointed fingers. The Americans dismissed it as emotions running high.
“Not a big deal,” Bradley said. The Uruguayan coach skipped the post-match news conference.
U.S. forward Josmer Altidore left the game in the 51st minute after getting hurt in a tangle with Martin Caceres.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Alex Morgan's 2 goals, including the winner in stoppage time, lift the U.S. past New Zealand 2-1.
Slideshow |