Saturday
Honduras 0-1 Argentina
Mexico 0-2 Switzerland
Nigeria 3-3 Germany
Brazil 3-2 Japan

ABUJA - A Hollywood script-writer could not have come up with a better opening day for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009. Joy, pain, excitement, frustration and a carnival atmosphere were all experienced on Saturday 24 October in Abuja and Lagos.

As should be the case for a host nation, Nigeria grabbed all the headlines. Spurred on by their partisan following, the locals managed a 3-3 draw against European champions Germany.

The hosts were 3-0 down at one point but drew level within the space of seven frantic minutes in what was a re-run of the 1985 Final. Saturday also saw the most goals scored on an opening day in the history of the FIFA U-17 world finals.

While Argentina made the most of that high-scoring draw to go top of Group A after their 1-0 win over Honduras, Group B also saw plenty of goals and a shock result.

Switzerland celebrated their debut in the tournament by defeating title hopefuls Mexico 2-0, while in the other match, superstars Neymar and Coutinho propelled Brazil to a thrilling 3-2 win over Japan, who twice came from behind to level the score.

AGENCIES