Super-sub Lazaro was once again the hero for Brazil as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Mexico to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019 for the fourth time.
Lazaro, who also scored the winner for the Brazilians in the last minute against France in the semi-finals, struck deep into injury time to deny the Mexicans.
While the Brazilians created more chances including a Peglow try rattling the woodwork in the first half, it was Mexico who took the lead in the 66th minute. Bryan Gonzales out-jumped two Brazilian defenders to slot the ball pass Matheus Doneli.
The host continued to create more chances but were unable to find a way through the Mexican defence. Mexico looked set to repeat their 2005 win over Brazil, when they lifted the cup by a 3-0 margin.
In the 81st minute Brazil came close again, but Daniel Cabral’s attempt rebounded off the top of the Mexican bar.
And with just six minutes to go in regulation time, Alejandro Gomez slid into Veron inside the Mexican box, drawing a foul that was ignored by the match official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised the match officials to pull play back and Brazil were awarded a penalty.
Kaio Jorge coolly slotted the ball past Edu Garci from the spot to give the Brazilians a much deserved equaliser.
Three minutes in to stoppage time Lazaro, who plies his trade with Flamengo, volleyed a glorious ball off a Yan Couto cross, pass the Mexican keeper to seal a memorable win for the hosts.
It was a disappointing outcome for the Mexican, who were hoping to equals Brazil’s three titles. While Brazil had an unbeaten run-up to the final, Mexico had their started their campaign with a goalless draw against Paraguay and were beaten 1-2 by Italy in the group stages.
Brazil had scored 19 goals in the competition, three less than France, the team they defeated in the semi-finals.
France finished third earlier in the day with a 3-1 defeat of the Netherlands. Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga’s hattrick steered them to their best finish in the competition since winning the title in 2001. The Netherlands had taken the lead in the 15th minute through Mohamed Taabouni but it was cancelled out within seven minutes by Muinga’s first.
Brazilian Gabriel Veron was picked as the best player of the tournament and given the Gold Ball Award. The Palmeiras’ right winger was a vital cog in the team’s success and had scored three goals for the Brazilians.
Teammate Matheus Donelli was picked for the Golden Glove Award for his excellent performances between the posts.
The tournament that saw 177 goals scored in 52 matches, saw Dutch striker Sontje Hansen taking the Golden Boot Award. Hansen scored six goals in the tournament, including a hattrick against Nigeria i the last 16. Nathanael Mbuku of France and Kaio Jorge of Brazil, with five goals each in the competition were awarded the Silver and Bronze Boot Awards.
Brazil route to the title
Group A
beat Canada 4-1; beat New Zealand 3-0; beat Angola 2-0
Last 16 beat Chile 3-2
Quarter-finals beat Italy 2-0
Semi-finals beat France 3-2
Final beat Mexico 2-1
AWARDS
Golden Boot Award: Sontje Hansen (Netherlands)
Golden Ball Award: Gabriel Veron (Brazil)
Golden Glove: Matheus Doneli (Brazil)
Fairplay: Equador
About Post Author
