Eaglets cruises on

Nigeria became the first side to reach the Round of 16 with nine points to their name, as Syria and Argentina joined the Golden Eaglets, Peru, Costa Rica, England, Brazil and Tunisia in sealing a place in the knockout phase.

Howewer, the headline story of an intriguing day's action unfolded in Goyang City, where France produced a thrilling second half comeback to beat Japan to victory and, crucially, second spot in Group D.

The Japanese now face a nervous wait to see if they will accompany Nigeria and France into the next round. As things stand, they are the third-best placed of the third-placed teams from the four concluded pools, but with Groups E and F to reach their climaxes tomorrow, Hiroshi Jofuku's charges could yet miss out on one of the four coveted births.

The weather had cleared up by the time Nigeria and Haiti took to the turf in Jeju, and the African champions radiated under the shining sun. It took Macauley Chrisantus just five minutes to score the 100th goal of the tournament, and in doing so he became the first player to score in all three group games.

An even more impressive statistic was recorded by Golden Eaglets, who became the only side to progress with a maximum nine points in the pocket, a feat Tunisia will have the opportunity to repeat when they face Tajikistan tomorrow. Having only been afforded three minutes' playing time before he lined up against Haiti, a consequence of Yemi Tella resting some of his regular starters, Sheriff Isa made his mark with a brace inside three minutes before half-time, which is sure to give the Nigeria coach a selection headache ahead of their Round of 16 game.