Doha: Qatar's U-17 national football team concluded their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Bolivia on Saturday at Mansour Muftah Stadium in Aspire, in the third round of Group A matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which runs until November 27.
According to Qatar News Agency, in the same group, Italy maintained their lead after defeating South Africa 3-1, raising their tally to nine points. South Africa followed with four points, while Qatar finished third with two points, and Bolivia remained without a point.
The match was evenly contested, with Qatar showing early dominance in the first half through high pressing and quick transitions from the wings, particularly via Zaid Faisal and Tamim Al Qadi, which allowed the team to create several scoring opportunities.
Qatar nearly took the lead in the opening minute when Tamim Al Qadi sent in a cross from the left that deflected off the defense, reaching Adam Riyadh, whose shot was cleared by the Bolivian goalkeeper just before it crossed the line.
Bolivia responded in the 19th minute with a curling effort from Nassif Nabil that sailed over the crossbar. Qatar's Yazan Hani came close in the 30th minute with a powerful shot inside the box, brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Jovia Geronimo, before Adam Riyadh's header went narrowly over. Despite their attacking control, Qatar struggled to convert their chances, and the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Qatar intensified their offensive efforts. Zaid Faisal struck the right post in the 51st minute, then missed another golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when one-on-one with the Bolivian goalkeeper. Substitute Issa Waleed also went close late in the game, but his effort was deflected for a corner, leaving the score 0-0 at the final whistle.
This year's edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup features 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the Round of 32.