Brazil defeated Mali 2-0 to finish third at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
(Photo: AFP)
Alan and Yuri Alberto scored in the 55th and 88th minutes, respectively, as Brazil defeated Mali 2-0 to finish third at the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Saturday.
The 10-man Brazil sealed third place play-off match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The same venue will host the final clash between England and Spain.
Brazil had a possession of 53 per cent while facing the minnows Mali.
Advertisement
Earlier in the semi-final, Brazil lost 1-3 to England on October 25. Brazil full-back Wesley scored their first-half equaliser, though Rhian Brewster scored a hat-trick to propel the Three Lions to their first-ever U-17 World Cup final.
Mali were outclassed by Spain in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai. The biggest talking point of the match was a disallowed goal by Cheick Doucoure in the 61st minute, which many believe could have turned the tables for Mali.
Spectators at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan gave Brazil a standing ovation as they leave the venue for the last time.
A standing ovation for @CBF_Futebol at the VYBK Stadium as they leave the stadium for the last time #BRAvMLI #FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/aX1zPovHRl
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 28, 2017
After the victory, Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu said they experienced their worst game in two and half years.
“We had our worst game of the World Cup, the worst match in two and half years of preparation. But we were lucky it went our way,” Amadeu said at the post-match news conference at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Brazil went into the lead with a weak attempt from Alan in the 55th minute as the ball dribbled through the hands of Mali’s goalkeeper Yousouf Koita, while Yuri Alberto drove home Paulinho’s assist to seal the win in the 88th minute.
“We tried to show you Brazilian football but today we could not. In all the competitions, we have showed what Brazilian football is all about,” the coach added.
Advertisement
