ALAN VACCARO / AIPS* in DUBAI: The top goal scorer in the South American Championship wants a repeat at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013. When he scores Uruguay never lose. Can Italy resist him in their decisive last group game?

Acosta’s numbers are impressive: in Uruguay’s last six games, he has scored a goal every 53 minutes.

The teenager from Centro Atlético Fénix has played in 10 out of 11 matches for coach Fabián Coito’s team, scoring 11 goals. Eight goals saw him hailed top scorer in the qualifiers and he has followed up with three in two games in UAE. Acosa scored twice against New Zealand and the crucial last-minute equaliser against Cote d’Ivoire.

Separating Acosta’s influence from Uruguay’s results is impossible. On the six occasions he has started he has scored ​​at least one goal and Uruguay have never lost, recording four wins and two draws. When he has been used as a substitute, however, Uruguay have won only once while also collecting three draws and one defeat.

In the last game of Group B, Uruguay will play Italy – already in next round – and Franco Acosta will be a starter.

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* AIPS, the international sports journalists association, is running a Young Reporters course at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 with the support of the local organising committee and FIFA

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