U-20 World Cup 2017 Results: Updated Standings After Saturday Group Scores

Italy qualified for the last 16 of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, despite blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Japan in Group D on Saturday. The Azzurri made it though along with group winners Uruguay, who battled to a 0-0 draw with South Africa.

Earlier, Portugal beat Iran 2-1 in Group C to qualify for the last 16. Elsewhere in the group, Costa Rica also won, beating group winners Zambia 1-0, a result good enough to also see them through in third place per FIFA's official website.

For the updated standings after Saturday's early matches, visit FIFA.com.

Recap

The day began with Portugal falling behind early in a must-win game when Reza Shekari found the net after just four minutes. The Portuguese needed to show some resolve, but it was quality that got them back in it when Diogo Goncalves equalised on 54 minutes.

The 20-year-old Benfica winger finished smartly, as Portugal began to assert their dominance of possession and turn it into a host of chances. One of those opportunities was converted on 86 minutes when substitute Xande Silva netted the winner.

BERTRAND LANGLOIS/Getty Images

The 20-year-old forward's pace and power had caused Iran a host of problems after his introduction. Silva's goal also meant Portugal leapfrogged the competition to qualify as runners-up, despite Zambia's defeat.

Jostin Daly kept Costa Rican hopes of qualification alive after he scored on 15 minutes, per FIFA's official Twitter account:

Los Ticos then had to endure a frantic finish as first Randall Leal missed a penalty that would have doubled their lead, before Zambia thought they had scored a last-gasp equaliser. However, the referee chalked off Patson Daka's finish to let Costa Rica survive, and qualify as one of the four best-placed qualifiers.

Italy made a fast start to their match against Japan, going two up in seven minutes, courtesy of goals from Riccardo Orsolini and Giuseppe Panico. However, in a game littered with spectacular goals, Japan fought back.

First, the impressive Ritsu Doan halved the deficit, before netting the equaliser on 50 minutes after carrying the ball past a host of would-be tacklers. The 18-year-old right-sided midfielder was a constant menace for the junior Azzurri, per Scouted Football:

The other game was short on goal-mouth action, but there were still some outstanding individual performances as Uruguay controlled things against South Africa. Among those who stood out was 19-year-old Juventus-bound playmaker Rodrigo Bentancur:

A goalless draw was still good enough for Bentancur and Co. to top Group D, while Italy also went through as runners-up. Yet while Uruguay look like a class act, Italy have work to do if they are going make their talent count in the knockout phase.