Brazil head up South American quartet - FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP
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| AFP |
- Brazil win the South American U-17 Championship for the 12th time in 17 attempts
- Chile, Paraguay and Colombia join them at India 2017
- Twelfth time running that Brazil have qualified for the world finals in the age group
Held in Chile, the 2017 South American U-17 Championship was dominated from start to finish by Brazil, who will head the four-strong CONMEBOL contingent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
The Brazilians, who clinched their place in the world finals along with Chile and Paraguay in the penultimate round of games, sealed the title on the final day with a 5-0 defeat of the hosts. Venezuela, who beat Ecuador 4-2 in their last game, had hopes of taking the fourth qualification slot but were denied by Colombia, who saw off the Paraguayans 2-1 in their final outing to claim the last ticket to India.
Standings in the final six-team round:
Brazil 13
Chile 9
Paraguay 8
Colombia 7
Venezuela 4
Ecuador 1
Did you know?
- The only unbeaten side in the competition with seven wins and two draws, Brazil also had the most prolific attack, scoring 24 goals, and the tightest defence, conceding just three.
- Brazilian duo Vinicius and Lincoln were the tournament’s leading scorers with seven and five goals respectively, while Alan topped the assists chart with five.
- Chile were the 1-0 kings, with all five of their wins coming by that scoreline.
- Paraguay went unbeaten in their two meetings with Brazil, earning a 1-1 draw in the group phase and a 2-2 draw in the final round. They were the only side to score against the champions.
- Paraguay coach Gustavo Morinigo represented Los Guaranies at both the FIFA U-20 World Cup Malaysia 1997 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™.
- Colombia qualified for the U-17 World Cup for the first time since 2009.
Players to watch
Vinicius (Brazil)
The leading goalscorer at the 2015 South American U-15 Championship, the Flamengo forward repeated the feat at the U-17 Championship and was named player of the tournament.
Alan Souza (Brazil)
The Palmeiras attacking midfielder did justice to the fabled Brazil No10 shirt, providing five assists and scoring three goals.
Gabriel Brazao (Brazil)
Though he had little to do throughout the tournament, the Brazil keeper responded every time he was called into service and kept a clean sheet in seven of his side’s nine games.
Lucas Alarcon (Chile)
The Universidad de Chile centre-half proved a formidable presence on the ground and in the air, and expertly marshalled a defence that showed its ability to protect hard-earned leads.
Roberto Fernandez Urbieta (Paraguay)
The tightest of man-markers and a threat at the other end of the pitch, the Guarani central defender displayed both the character and leadership that have made him his country’s captain.
David Barrero (Colombia)
The Rionegro player scored key goals in showcasing his ability to play both as a lone striker and as part of a front two.
The words
“We were superb in the second half against Chile, just as we were for most of the competition, and we put on a really good show. I'm very satisfied and very pleased because we won by playing Brazilian-style football.” Brazil coach Amadeus
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