Of the four teams in action on Saturday only Nigeria have won the title, and the African side have certainly lived up to their billing as genuine contenders since the start of the tournament. At the end of the Round of 16, the Golden Eaglets boasted the joint most prolific attack along with Brazil, having helped themselves to 18 goals in four games. They enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 success against Iran in the last round to reach this far, but can expect a sterner test against Uruguay.
Indeed, La Celeste were likewise impressive in the last 16, making their quality count against a fragile Slovakia side who finally found their bearings too late to influence the outcome. The South American hopefuls may boast a less illustrious record than their rivals, but they have raised their profile in recent editions of the competition, twice sealing quarter-final spots before finishing runners-up to Mexico in 2011.
The statistics all point to a well-balanced encounter, with Uruguay having conceded four goals compared to five for Nigeria, even if they have scored four goals fewer.
Nigeria have reached the quarter-finals nine times in ten U-17 World Cup appearances, only falling short in 2003 when they finished third in their group.
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