Senegal were already through to the quarter-finals but they made
sure of first place in Group C by overcoming Italy 6-5 in extra
time. The
Azzurri now need Japan to beat Uruguay if they are to
progress
20 seconds was all it took for Paolo Palmacci to get Italy on
the score-sheet, but after that, it seemed that every time Italy
took the lead, Senegal would come straight back. 0-1 soon became
2-1 to the Africans after goals from Gomis Mbengue and Pape
Koukpaki, the latter going top of the goal-scoring list with six.
Roberto Pasquali then bagged a brace to join him at the top of the
charts, but since his two goals were separated by a Badiane Mbengue
strike, it was 3-3 when the hooter brought an end to the opening 12
minutes.
In the second period, goals from Damiano Maiorano and Simone
Feudi gave Italy some much needed breathing space while Daniele
Gigli was performing miracles on his goal-line, particularly from
two dangerous Koukpaki headers. He had no chance with Gomis
Mbengue's rocket into the top corner, however, which pulled
Senegal back to within one goal of the Italians for the start of
the third period.
The final third was a festival of missed chances.
Goalkeepers, woodwork and plain clumsiness kept the ball out of the
back of the net until Modou Thioune notched the equaliser from a
corner, sending the two teams into extra time and ensuring first
place in the group for Senegal even if they lost the match.
This was not the case, though, as Koukpaki notched his second
to secure the points. Italy are now dependent on a Japanese victory
over Uruguay if they are to stay in the competition.
