http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4276518.stm

Dutch end Gambia's dream in Peru
By Tim Vickery


Gambia crashed out of Fifa's Under-17 World Championship in Peru when
losing their final Group D clash 2-0 to Holland in Lima.

Coupled with Brazil's 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, Gambia's defeat leaves
themselves, the Brazilians and the Dutch level on six points.

However, the African champions crash out of the tournament on goal
difference and could only finish third.

It could all have been so different however had Momodou Ceesay not missed a
penalty with ten minutes left, for just one goal would have taken the
Gambians through.

The big number nine, who had been Gambia's most impressive player in the
tournament, turned from hero to villain as his miss condemned the West
Africans to early elimination.

Ceesay had been instrumental in winning the penalty, when his pass put
Sanna Nyassi clean through on goal.

His shot was pushed out by the keeper, and as Alegie Ngum latched on to the
rebound he was adjudged to have been brought down by Dutch substitute Erik
Pieters.

It was a controversial decision, but not nearly as controversial as the
Gambian choice of penalty-taker.

Ousman Jallow had scored from the spot in both Gambia's previous games, but
Ceesay, apparently against the orders of coach Duodo, stepped up.

He struck his kick wide of the keeper's right-hand post, and the Baby
Scorpions were out.

Assuming that Brazil beat pointless Qatar by a four-goal margin, Gambia
took the field knowing that they needed to avoid a two-goal defeat to reach
the quarter-finals.

Brazil did their part, winning 6-0, but Gambia did not.


 It is vital now that Gambian football does not pay the penalty for the
Baby Scorpions' dramatic elimination
Tim Vickery

They started well, Ceesay's bursts down the right channel spreading panic
through the Dutch defence.

But the longer the game wore on, the more the Dutch took control.

Gambia's back line defended very deep, giving Holland the space to play
their passing game.

The Dutch went ahead in the 34th minute, Gambia losing possession as they
played their way out of defence, and a low cross from Melvin Zaalman was
turned in by John Goossens.

Goossens was also involved in the killer blow 27 minutes into the second
half.

His corner from the right was met by a powerful header from Dutch captain
Dirk Marcellis.

Now Gambia needed a goal to survive. It never came, although Ceesay did of
course have that golden chance to score it from the spot.

It is vital now that Gambian football does not pay the penalty for the Baby
Scorpions' dramatic elimination.

Getting through this group always looked a tough assignment, and Gambia's
performances, especially in the first two games, outdid the pre-tournament
expectations.

Gambian football has now announced its arrival on the world stage and its
players, coaches and administrators now have the task of building on what
was achieved in Peru 2005.

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