Fútbolita

There’s a Brazil overload in Futbolita hoje (today), but who’s complaining?

After a particularly shaky start to the U-20 South American championships, Brazil’s youngsters have emerged champions of the tournament. Sure, we had our doubts when we watched them but they fought long and hard. This proves that local talent should be cultivated and not exported to Europe at a tender age.

They claimed their prize despite a 0-1 loss to Paraguay, who needed a victory in order to advance to the u-20 World Cup in Egypt. We leave you to enjoy the photographs of Detinho and amigos…

It’s getting difficult to stay track of this competition but due to its complex nature, the young selecao have emerged as champs of the U-20 Sudamericano!

With second half goals from Walter and Douglas Costa, the team defeated Columbia 2-1 yesterday. That result, and the tie between Uruguay and Paraguay (2-2) assured Brazil its tenth South American title.

They’re now regional champions and have  secured a place in the World Under-20 Championships, which will be contested in Egypt this year.

The U-20 boys defeated Venezuela 3-0 in last night’s encounter, thanks to goals from Maylson, Giuliano and Sandro. It is Maylson’s (above) second goal of the tournament.

With their opponents coming into the match with a 0-3 defeat against Paraguay heavy on their minds, Brazil’s win was largely unsurprising. They dominated much of the attack and broke the deadlock in the 34th minute thanks to the Gremio midfielder.

The other goals came later thanks to a mistake by Venezuelan keeper (Giuliano). Sandro capped the game off superbly by slotting home in the 58th minute.

In addition to Brazil, 16 other countries have already qualified for the U-20 World Cup. They include Egypt, Tahiti, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Brazil defeated Argentina 2-0 in what was a seemingly ‘fierce’ U-20 encounter with both sides throwing everything they could give. The soggy field and damp weather conditions made it difficult for the selecao to create any smooth play on the field.

Eventually, however, goals from Alan Kardec and Giuliano were enough to secure the team a spot in the the hexagonal round of the competition. Argentina have a measly one point. The end of the match saw some fierce exchanges between both sides – something we’ve come to expect from a game of such tension.

The U-20 selecao begun their final round campaign in a rematch against Uruguay last night, beating their opponents 3-2. Walter scored two goals in the game – no surprise there for the number 9. Douglas Costa slotted in the third goal which slipped past goalkeeper Perez’s hands.

It’s going to be an exciting match on Monday in Maturín, where Brazil meet Argentina. Looking forward to it!

We simply couldn’t decide, so here are a few photos of the Argentinean u-20 team training hard.

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In an open and exciting U-20 group match yesterday, Brazil were defeated 2-3 by Uruguay. The highlight of the game was a double by Uruguayan striker, Hernández. With the result, Brazil now lie in the third place of Group B with seven points. They will meet Uruguay again on Saturday.

According to the Brazilian press, the root of the team’s problem lay in the defense. They had the advantage of ball possession in the first half and long-distance kicks. But Leandro’s failure to react in the 22nd minute gave Uruguay the chance to lead.

The goal affected Brazil’s play on the field. The defense appeared afraid and marking was loose. Fortunately, after Douglas Costa’s goal in the first half, Brazil’s Alan Kardec found the net to save the blushes.

Dentinho and Maylson both scored last night in Brazil’s U-20 win over Chile. Detinho, in particular had a peculiar goal celebration ‘ritual’…. which you must watch in the video below.

After less than impressive performances (a draw with Paraguay and 2-1 win over Bolivia), coach Rogério decided to change the starting line up.  And ten minutes into the game, Dentinho fought off the Chilean defense and scored his first goal of the tournament. In the 31st minute, Maylson added to the tally.

Brazil are now placed second in Group B and will face Uruguay on Wednesday in Puerto Ordaz. The South American championship automatically qualifies the top 4 teams for the FIFA U-20 Championship which will be held in Egypt this year.

The Argentinean U-20 side – who faced similar difficulties as Brazil in the opening stages of the tournament – scraped past Peru 2-1 in yesterday’s South American championships.

Peru opened the scoring with a goal in the third minute, shocking the tournament favourites. The squad managed to recover and Eduardo Salvio’s cross played underneath Peru’s goalkeeper Hermosa, resulting in a glorious goal for the side (just look at the photo above!).

We leave you with the highlights.

The footballing Gods must have heard our cries and granted Brazil a 2-1 win over Bolivia in last night’s U-20 South American Championships.

The young selecao had to work hard to win the game, however as their opponents scored first thanks to a goal by Castedo. Rafael Toloi did no favours for the team either, after being sent off with a second yellow card.

However, Brazil fought back and expanded their gameplay – passing quickly and creating more chances at goal. Of course this paid off and Internacional’s Walter and Tales both netted in goals to earn a win for their side.

The South American championships are pretty challenging, and given the fact that all the players still play in their domestic leagues, it certainly shows that talent isn’t lacking outside Europe!

A 1-1 draw against Paraguay was not exactly the best of starts for Brazil... but we can always save stellar performances for later right? Well, at least we hope that’s the case for the selecao at the U-20 South American championships.

After leading 1-0 in the first half and missing several chances to add to the tally, Brazil failed to hold on to the scoreline and Paraguay equalised 35 minutes from time.

There was a solid attack at the front from Detinho and Walter, who missed a header thanks to the Paraguayan goalkeepers quick reflexes.

And Paraguay’s goal came easy too. Quoting the Brazilian newspaper O’Globo : “The ball entered the net to Renan’s left, who fell, left sitting with nothing to do.”

The Argentinean U-20 side failed to get off on a good start yesterday, drawing 1-1 with hosts, Venezuela, in the opening game of the South American championships.

As expected, they went all out in attack and maintained ball possession, but Venezuela’s keeper, Romo’s outstanding saves prevented any mishaps from going through.

In the same group, Ecuador defeated Peru 2-1 and are now leaders of Group A. Striker Joao Rojas, 18, scored both goals for Ecuador.

Brazil play tomorrow…!

Meet the Brazilian U-20 selection.. and their perky butts. Yes, these guys are in Venezuela to participate in the South American U-20 Championships which kicks off tomorrow (Monday).

“We are happy to come to Venezuela (and we have) great optimism. It will not be easy playing against rivals, but we have a very compact and complete team,” said coach Rogério Lourenço.

The selecao are in a pretty tough group and will meet Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia and Uruguay, but will do all they can to make sure they win it again. Brazil won the last U-20 Championship with a certain young striker named Pato on their squad…

They had their first training session last Saturday in Puerto Ordaz. Click to see the entire U-20 squad list.

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The Brazil U-20 senoritas scored three goals to sink Norway in yesterday’s U-20 Women’s World Cup. Goals by Erika, Daiane and Pamela were enough to see the South Americans at the top of Group D. We absolutely love Leah Lynn (above) and her acrobatic acts.

Said Brazil’s coach, Kleiton Lima : “I’m very pleased and satisfied with the hard work we’ve put into the tournament and the results we’ve got as a consequence. Although we haven’t dropped a point up to now, we just have to focus on our next game. I believe we’re capable of winning this tournament, but we’re not looking too far ahead at the moment.”