Belgium's Dennis Van Vaerenbergh (#9) defends Denil Maldonado of Honduras during their FIFA U-17 World Cup game on October 21, 2015, in Talca, Chile. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
TALCA, Chile – Dante Rigo struck for the game-winner as Belgium (1W-1D-0L, 4 points) posted a 2-1 win over Honduras (0W-0D-2L, 0 points) in the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Wednesday at the Estadio Fiscal.
The result lifted Belgium into first place in on goal difference over Mali (1W-1D-0L, points), which beat Ecuador (1W-0D-0L, 3 points), 2-1.
Belgium took a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute, when Christophe Janssen delivered a right-sided free kick into Honduras’ box, which was headed by teammate Wout Faes. The ball fell to Jorn Vancamp, who had time to chest the down and position himself, before hitting the back of the net with his left foot from 10-yards out.
The CONCACAF runner-up equalized four minutes into the second half as Jafeth Leiva fired a left-footed shot from just inside the area off the right post and over the line.
The Belgians regained the lead for good in 78th minute as Honduras had difficulty clearing an in-swinging free kick taken from near the right-goal line. After numerous attempts to avert the danger, Rigo was able to jab home from three-yards out with his left foot.
Honduras will look to bounce back on Saturday against Mali, while Belgium will take on Ecuador in the final group games.
