USA Qualify For Knockout Phase Of U17 World Cup After Liverpool's Keyrol Figueroa Scores In Win Over Burkina Faso
The United States beat Burkina Faso 2-1 at the U17 World Cup on Wednesday to qualify for the round of 16 with a game to spare.
Keyrol Figueroa put the USA in front late in the first half with a sliding finish from four yards following a low cross by LA Galaxy's Paulo Rudisill.
Figueroa almost scored again moments later after making an excellent run into the penalty area.
He was narrowly unable to get to the ball but his movement created the space for Nimfasha Berchimas to tap home at the far post.
Berchimas has now scored three goals in two U17 World Cup games after bagging a brace in last week's 3-1 win over South Korea.
Burkina Faso registered 27 attempts at goal, compared to just seven from the USA.
But the African nation did not get on the scoreboard until the 89th minute when Jack Diarra netted a consolation goal following a powerful charge into the 18-yard box.
The USA will now progress to the knockout phase even if they lose to France in their final group game on Saturday.
Highlights: USA 2-1 Burkina Faso
Keyrol Figueroa pictured (no.17) celebrating after scoring a goal for the USA against Burkina Faso at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup
IMAGO/Xinhua
Who Is Keyrol Figueroa?
Keyrol Figueroa is the son of former Wigan Athletic player Maynor Figueroa.
The 17-year-old was born in Honduras but has represented the USA at U17 level since 2022.
Figueroa is currently based in England, having joined Liverpool's youth setup in 2018.
He is the only Liverpool player competing at this year's U17 World Cup.
Figueroa played for FC Dallas prior to joining Liverpool.
Figueroa pictured playing for Liverpool against Derby County in the U18 Premier League in April
IMAGO/Propaganda Photo Agency
Discussing the current crop of players in the USA's U17 side, Figueroa told Soccer America earlier this year: "This team has coaches and players from all over.
"So the fact that we adapted and played as a team, as a unit, we should be proud of ourselves for that.
"We are a very special group. It's something that people should be looking forward to in the future. I'm happy to be on this team because I wouldn't be happy to be playing against this team, to be honest!
"I believe in every single one of them, every single player that our coaches bring in is a talent - a different talent, a different piece of the puzzle. I couldn't be prouder. I'm just happy that I'm on their side."
