Spain and Venezuela advanced to the knockout round of the Under-20 World Cup on Monday, both winning their second straight games to wrap up Group B. Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida scored twice for the Spaniards in a 2-0 win over Nigeria. Venezuela thrashed Tahiti 8-0 after Yonathan Del Valle scored three goals in the last 12 minutes, adding to three already provided by Jose Rondon. «I think we had a very tough game against Nigeria, they made it very difficult for us but I think we can play better than that,» Merida said. «Scoring goals is secondary, what I would like the most is to win the trophy. It's nice to score but I'm happy for the team.» Tahiti, suffered its second consecutive 8-0 defeat, and felt further embarrassment Monday, having two players sent off in the first half. It will set a new record for conceding the most goals at an under-20s tournament if Nigeria scores in Thursday's final group game. Indonesia also conceded 16 goals in 1979.
