Brazil's Henrique and Saudi Arabia's Motaz Hawsawi (L) battle for the ball during their U-20 World Cup second round soccer match in Barranquilla Wednesday. — Reuters Sets up quarters tie against Spain BARRANQUILLA, Colombia — Brazil scored three second-half goals to defeat Saudi Arabia 3-0 Wednesday and advance to a quarterfinal against title rival Spain at the Under-20 World Cup. Striker Henrique put Brazil on the board after a counterattack in the 46th minute, Gabriel Silva added to the lead with a shot from inside the area in the 69th and substitute Dudu sealed the victory from close range in the 86th. The victory sends the four-time champion into a quarterfinal against fellow powerhouse Spain, which earlier Wednesday advanced by edging South Korea on penalties. After Brazil struggled to get past the Saudi Arabia defense in the first half, Henrique quickly put Brazil ahead in the second period. Midfielder Fernando started the play with a pass to striker Willian, who deflected the ball toward Henrique, and the striker directed a well-placed shot past onrushing goalkeeper Abdullah Alsdairy, with the ball going in off a post. Willian also was involved in the second goal, making a run on the left after a pass by fullback Danilo. He cleared a defender inside the area and the ball ended with Gabriel Silva, who had an easy shot into the far corner. Dudu, who came on in the 61st after Henrique suffered an arm injury, completed the scoring with a low cross shot inside the far post after another nice through-ball by Danilo. “We played very well in the first half but we couldn't capitalize on our scoring chances,” Saudi Arabia coach Khaled Al-Qorooni said. “But we got tired in the second half and Brazil dominated.” Brazil appealed for a penalty in the 20th when Oscar used a nifty move to get past two defenders and was apparently brought down by a sliding tackle inside the area. Saudi Arabia midfielder Abdullah Otayf had a shot from outside the area saved by Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel in the 34th, and Al-Muwallad also threatened from long range in the 45th. The Saudis were not able to keep pressuring Brazil after allowing Henrique's goal and it was Brazil which had most of the scoring opportunities until the end. Spain narrowly escaped a shock defeat by South Korea, winning a penalty shootout 7-6 after 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time in Manizales. Nigeria enhanced its status as one of the title contenders by beating England 1-0 in Armenia for its fourth straight victory. France also advanced, edging Ecuador 1-0 Cartagena. Argentina, Portugal, Mexico and host Colombia had advanced Tuesday.
