Portugal ends Brazil’s chance to equal Nigeria’s U17 World Cup record

Portugal U17 beat Brazil 6-5 on penalties in the U17 World Cup semi-final on Monday evening.

The game got off to a frantic start with both sides creating chances to score.

Brazil took the first initiative as Angelo Candido sent an effort wide of the left post before Anisio Cabral missed a chance at the other end.

Brazil’s Dell registered the game’s first shot on target, forcing goalkeeper Romario Cunha to make a save on 20 minutes.

Joao Pedro also had to be on alert at the other end, keeping out Mauro Furtado’s effort from giving Portugal the opener.

Brazil took control of proceedings late in the first half and created several openings to break the deadlock, but could not trouble Cunha.

The Selecao Sub-17 picked up where they left off before the interval, dominating possession. Yet, they failed to create any clear-cut chance.

Portugal’s first chance in the second half came off a brilliant team play, which ended with Santiago Verdi blazing a shot wide from outside the box.

Inacio then struck a shot from outside the area, but it was easily collected by the Brazilian goalkeeper.

The game ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, forcing it to penalties, where Portugal triumphed, qualifying for the final for the first time in their history.

The result means Brazil will have to wait until 2026 for another chance to equal Nigeria’s record of five U17 World Cup titles.

Portugal will now face Austria, who beat Italy 2-0 in the first semi-final on Thursday, while Brazil will meet Italy in the third-place match.