Two of the title favorites lost their opening games at the Under-20 World Cup on Sunday when Italy upstaged Brazil 3-2 and Japan produced a shocking 1-0 upset win over Senegal.
Nigeria and Colombia won their matches in dramatic fashion, both by scores of 2-1 against much weaker rivals Dominican Republic and Israel.
Italy raced to a 3-0 lead in the Group D match, opening in the 11th minute when midfielder Matteo Pratti shot from close range. Italy doubled its lead after Brazil goalkeeper Mycael failed to stop a cross and left the ball for a clear header by midfielder Cesare Casadei in the 27th. Casadei added a third in the 35th from the spot.
Brazil regrouped and scored two goals through striker Marcos Leonardo, the first in the 72nd and the second with a header in the 87th, but it was too little too late.
Senegal was stunned early by Japan in its Group C match in La Plata. Striker Kuryu Matsuki scored in the 15th and that allowed the Japanese to sit back. Senegal winger Samba Diallo, one of the expected stars of the tournament, failed to deliver and was substituted in the 73rd.
