FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Uninspiring Brazil beat Mali to finish third

A goalkeeping howler and Yuri Alberto’s opportunistic late strike were enough for Brazil to beat Mali 2-0 in an uninspiring match and finish third in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today.

Mali goalkeeper Youssouf Koita gifted Alan a goal in the 55th minute against the run of play and then second-half substitute Alberto scored in the 88th minute as Brazil hit their more attacking opponents on the counter in a match that never rose to great heights. The Brazil-adoring 56432 Kolkata fans turned up at the Salt Lake Stadium to make the FIFA U-17 World Cup the most attended tournament in its history but the team, who was defeated by England in the semifinals, did not come to the party and did not play the kind of beautiful football it is known for.

In the whole match, Brazil had just three shots on target while Mali, who showed more attacking intent, had 10 hits. The scoreline did not show the whole story but Mali were also to blame as their strikers lack finishing while Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao made some fine saves to keep them off the score sheet. After the match, the fans reciprocated the Brazilians’ acknowledgement of their …read more