…Final before final
May I shock you to inform you that Brazil did not qualify to play in the 18th edition of the world U17 male championship; they are playing because they were chosen as hosts instead of Peru who were not ready to host the world then, so Brazil is the revelation of the 2019 tournament and not France to have reached the semifinal stages.
Of the four teams now in the semis, Brazil has the most appearances at this level coming 7 times winning the trophy thrice in 1997, 1999 and 2003; winning Silver twice in 1995 and 2005; Bronze 2017; 4th in 2014. France reached the last four once in Trinidad and Tobago 2001 and was crowned champions that year.
It is common for teams to tremble whenever they are fixed to face Brazil in any competition because of their pedigree. At the U17 level, Brazil suffered some heavy defeats: Mexico 3 v Brazil 0 at Lima, Peru 02/10/2005; lost to Nigeria 0-3 at Vina del Mar, Chile 01/11/15. The most memorable was the Olympic loss of Brazil to Nigeria in 1996. So Brazil is not invincible at any level. But Brazil could devour an opponent like a lion. They love to humiliate opponents.
It is pertinent to mention that of all the four semifinalists, France and Mexico concede least goals – 2, Brazil -3 and Netherlands 8. That speaks volume of the defending prowess of the teams. France is the highest goal scoring team – 17; Brazil – 14 while Mexico and Netherlands have 12 each. That means France v Brazil will be tough.
Statistically on current performances, France should win. France has ball possession 293-258 they hold the ball and control the match; eager to score as they were caught offside 11-2; they have better shots at goal 45-41 so the midfielders will dictate the game and even in the corners France has 38-30. Brazil should watch out for unforced errors which made almighty Spain to shiver and be humiliated
France had beaten Chile neatly 2-0 in the first match but Chile was a bone in the neck to Brazil as they had to rally to a 3-2 win in the R16 thank God to a penalty award.
Both teams have 5 yellow cards each; Brazil got a red against New Zealand but France has 71 fouls to 69 of Brazil. That means both defense can be equally mean. Of the fouls, 21 were committed by France against Haiti and 16 against Chile. Brazil had to commit 17 each against New Zealand and Italy then 14 each against Angola and Chile. The Brazil versus France match may emerge the roughest ever match in the tournament because both teams are under intense pressure to win.
Coach Patrik Gonfalone of France and Carlos Amadeu of Brazil know what is at stake – the soccer prestige of a nation! They may work out their tactics with the bench. There will definitely be goals in this match but whether we will have the first match to be decided by penalty shoot outs will be for 90 gruesome minutes to decide.
– ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
