Historical final
The Selecao or Samba Boys of Brazil may have all attached stars to their caps like Nigeria having won the title thrice in 1997, 1999 and 2003; twice Runners-up in 1995 and 2005; Bronze 2017 and 4th in 2014 but they need to watch it for the banana peel can make the powerful slip as they clash with Mexico in the grand finale of the 18th U17 world male football championship on Sunday at 2300 hours at the Estadio Bezerrão, BRASILIA.
The Hero Boys of Mexico equally have delightful credentials having won twice in 2005 and 2011; Runners-up in 2013 and 4th in 2015. Both are from the same CONCACAF where eight times champions in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. (Mexico won the title 4 consecutive times). Brazil was 12 times champions 1998; 1991; 1995; 1997; 1999; 2001; 2005; 2007; 2009; 2011; 2015 and 2017. They were three times runners-up in 1985, 1986 and 2003. They did not qualify for this tournament but coming as hosts.
On 27th October 2009 Brazil lost 0-1 to Mexico and on 1st November 2013 they played 1-1 draw.
On current performances Brazil is higher having 47-32 shots on target; 314-290 ball possession and 34-33 corner kicks. That means the Mexico goalkeeper should be on alert to hold the shots or a rebound may cause havoc. The defense of Mexico will need to block shots and reduce the space of operations for the Samba boys.
It is shocking that Brazil committed 81 fouls in the 6 matches played so far but that is two short of the ones committed by France; Mexico conceded the lowest fouls of 55 while Netherlands had 62. Brazil has 7 yellows while Mexico has 5 but 2 red cards went to Mexico while Brazil saw red once against New Zealand. This means that with the pressure to host and win, Brazilian players will be hard on the Mexicans.
The vociferous Brazilian crowd will be available to cheer the Samba boys on. Brazil like coming from behind to win matches. Such an experiment with Mexico may cost them the trophy. Fanciful football may not be seen. Mexico has 13 goals scored like Netherlands but conceded 3 while Brazil scored17 goals, two short of that of France but conceded 5. The Mexican defense is tight and may be overworked on Sunday but the goals may just be coming.
– ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
