The technical depth of the coach of the Junior Azurris of Italy, : Carmine Nunziata and that of hosts Selecao (The Selection) of Brazil, Carlos Amadeu will determine who goes into the semifinals of the 18th edition of the world U17 football championship and not the crowd support as both teams clash in the last quarterfinals at midnight of Monday. The match will be tactical.
Both teams are highly technical with Brazil ensuring great shots on target 35-27 but Italy holds sway with far higher ball possession 247-209 and 32-27 corners. This means that Italy will be in control of their game putting pressures to get corners for a possible goal but Brazli may depend on two or three fast breaks and if scored we throw a victory party at Maracana Stadium.
Brazilian attackers should expect that the Italians will stop them by any means from shooting at goal. They have records of playing rough with 56-52 fouls and 6-5 yellows. One big thing is that the Italians are foxy like the French boys who exploit the offside traps to score goals. Italy was caught offside a record 14 times the highest by the 8 teams standing.
Italy had whipped the Katukatus of Solomon Islands 5-0; beaten Mexico 2-1; fell to Paraguay 1-2 but piped Ecuador 1-0 in round of 16games. Italy placed 4th at the world finals in 1987 and a quarterfinal placing in 2009 in Nigeria. They scored 9 goals and conceded 3.
Italy was Champions in Europe in 1982. They were stripped of the title in 1987. They were six times runners up in 1986, 1993, 1998, 2013, 2018 and 2019. They placed 3rd in 1992, 2005. They placed 4th in 2009.
Brazil whipped Canada 4-1; New Zealand 3-0; Angola 2-0 and Chile 3-2 winning all games scoring 12 goals and conceding 3. Jorge scored Three goals while two players scored two goals each namely Rosa and Magno.
Brazil were three times world winners in 1997, 1999 and 2003; twice Bronze medalists in 1995 and 2005; Bronze 2017; 4th in 2014; QF 5x in 1989, 1991, 2001, 2013 and 2015; R16 in 2007. Brazil had beaten Austria 7-0 at Alexandria, Egypt on 06/09/1997; some heavy defeats: Mexico 3 Brazil 0 at Lima, Peru 02/10/2005; lost to Nigeria 0-3 at Vina del Mar, Chile 01/11/15.
They were 12 times South American champions 1998; 1991; 1995; 1997; 1999;2001; 2005; 2007; 2009; 2011; 2015 and 2017. They were thrice Silver medalists in 1985, 1986 and 2003. They did not qualify for this tournament but coming as hosts.
– ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
