2023 FIFA U-17 WC: Superb Brazil beat England to seal progress
Jakarta,Indonesia (PANA) - The clash between one of the past two FIFA U-17 World Cup champions lived up to its blockbuster billing as Brazil beat England 2-1 in a high-quality Jakarta contest.
The result means both sides qualify for the last 16, with England as group winners and the South Americans as runners-up, FIFA.com reported.
It has been a tournament full of spectacular goals – and England’s Matty Warhurst came within fractions of adding to that collection when he crashed a ferocious effort against the bar on 20 minutes.
The sides traded chances throughout a pulsating first half and the woodwork was struck again before long, with Brazil forward Estevao Willian’s 20-yard effort cannoning off the post.
The breakthrough was made just before the interval, Kaua Elias netting his fourth goal of the tournament with controlled low volley to give Brazil the lead.
A Selecàõ started the second half confidently and extended their lead when Da Mata headed in from Lucas Camilo’s inviting cross.
England fought hard to get back in the game and were awarded a penalty when Joel Ndala was brought down by Pedro Lima. Ndala himself stepped up to hammer the spot-kick home and give the young Lions a lifeline.
Ryan Garry’s side struggled to build up any sustained momentum thereafter, however, and it was Brazil who looked the more likely to score in the game’s final stages.
Three teams ended the group stage with six points each and were separated by goal difference.
England has a goal difference of 10, Brazil had 9, Iran had 5 and New Caledonia won no match, scored no goals and had a goal difference of -24.
-0- PANA MA//RA 17Nov2023
