Italy became the first team to secure a place in the last 16 at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup as they beat 10-man Ecuador 1-0 ©FIFA

Italy became the first team to secure a place in the last 16 at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup as they beat 10-man Ecuador 1-0 in Poland.

Captain Andrea Pinamonti scored the only goal of the game after 15 minutes in the Group B clash at Bydgoszcz Stadium in Bydgoszcz.

Ecuador's task was made more difficult four minutes before half-time when Jackson Porozo was sent off for a high, late challenge on Alessandro Tripaldelli.

The South American side were not able to find an equaliser as Italy made their one-man advantage count.

In the other match in Group B, Japan moved to the brink of the knockout stage with a 3-0 win over Mexico.

Senegal are also on the verge of qualifying after they overcame Colombia 2-0 in Group A at Lublin Stadium in Lublin.

Both goals were penalties, with Ibrahima Niane and Dion Lopy finding the net to all but seal Senegal's knockout berth.

Poland delighted the home crowd at Łódź Stadium in Łódź as they recorded their first win of the tournament by thrashing Tahiti 5-0.

The tournament continues tomorrow.