Two sumptuous first-half goals helped Uruguay see off a spirited Norway challenge and win 3-1 in their engrossing opener at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019.
Luis Suarez memorably scored a golazo from just outside the box against Spain in Uruguay’s Canada 2007 opener, and their current spearhead repeated the feat in the 21st minute in Lodz. Ronald Araujo parted the Norwegian defence with a long ball for Darwin Nunez, who chested it into his path and unleashed a fizzing, dipping volley that left goalkeeper Julian Lund stationary.
It was 2-0 just before the half-hour, the exhilarating Brian Rodriguez deceiving his marker on the right wing and feeding Francisco Ginella, who cannily snuck between two Norwegians and lifted the ball into the roof of the net from seven yards.
The second period was, however, a different story. Tobias Borkeeiet, from 15 yards inside his own half, produced a superlative pass for Christian Borchgrevink to coolly stroke home, on the volley, from the edge of the penalty area.
Norway dominated possession and went close a few times thereafter, but Rodriguez put the result beyond doubt with a late breakaway goal.
Next up (Monday)
Honduras-Uruguay (18:00 local time) Norway-New Zealand (20:30 local time)