A hat-trick from Valmir Berisha inspired Sweden U17’s to a 4-1 victory over Argentina which secured third-place for the Scandinavians at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The prolific Swedish ‘No.9’ rounded off a superb tournament on a high with his three goals taking him to the top of the ‘Top Scorer’ standings with seven goals.
Sweden were dispatched in the semi-finals by the heavily fancied Nigerians and showed great character from the first whistle to take control of this match.
Argentina were without a number of key players – including keeper Augusto Batalla and Joaquin Ibanez – and their absence was evident as Sweden went 3-0 up within 25 minutes.
The scoring started after seven minutes when Carlos Strandberg beautifully set up Berisha who controlled the ball over his shoulder and finished well.
Strandberg, who was making his first start in the UAE, went from creator to scorer on the 20th minute with a well-controlled volley from close range.
Berisha was back on the scoring front, four minutes later, ramming home from the penalty spot after Gustav Engvall struck the crossbar.
Despite Lucio Campagnucci’s goal on the stroke of the interval, Berisha – who plays his club football with Halmstads BK – headed home his hat-trick goal from close range, then immediately was subbed to a fine applause from the Abu Dhabi crowd.
Sweden played some of their best football in the UAE this afternoon, securing an impressive third-spot in the U17 World Cup.
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