Brazil lifts U20 World Cup title
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Shanghai Daily, August 22, 2011
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Brazil's players celebrate after winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Bogota, August 20, 2011. [Photo/Agencies] |
Oscar scored a hat trick to lead Brazil to a 3-2 win over Portugal in extra time in Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday to win the Under-20 World Cup.
Oscar got the winner in the 111th minute, lobbing a shot from the right that was tipped by Portugal keeper Mika onto the underside of the crossbar before going in. He also scored in the fifth and the 78th minutes.
Alex had leveled in the ninth for Portugal and Nelson Oliveira's 59th-minute goal temporarily put the Europeans ahead. Brazil fought back to take its fifth U-20 title, having been the runner-up two years ago. Portugal was seeking its third title. Argentina leads with six titles.
"This really makes us happy, because now we have matched the record of the senior team," Brazil coach Ney Franco said, referring to the five World Cups Brazil's senior side has won.
Portugal coach Ilidio Vale said the result was "not completely just" but acknowledged Brazil's "high quality team."
"We were close to the dream, but we could not quite win it," Ilidio said. "Congratulations to Brazil as the champions. Brazil is a happy winner and Portugal is an unhappy loser."
Clear favorite
Brazil was the clear favorite for the match between former colony and colonizer, but it was an even contest from start to finish, with only the brilliance of Oscar tipping the scales.
Oscar made the difference with his three goals - his first three of the 3 1/2-week tournament - in a performance that is sure to bring the big European clubs knocking on the door of the 19-year-old Internacional playmaker.
The result avenged the result of the 1991 final, when Portugal defeated Brazil on penalties.
In Saturday's third-place playoff, Mexico defeated France 3-1.
Ulises Davila, Jorge Enriquez and Edson Rivera scored unanswered goals after Alexandre Lacazette had put France ahead with an eighth-minute header.
The third-place finish adds to an impressive three months for Mexico; the senior team defeated the United States in the final of the regional Gold Cup tournament in June, and Mexico won the Under-17 World Cup title in July.
