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

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

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.

Dell registered Brazil’s first shot on target, forcing goalkeeper Romario Cunha to make a save after 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.

They picked up where they left off before the interval, dominating possession. However, 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 the Brazilian goalkeeper easily collected it.

The game ended in a goalless draw after regulation time. Portugal triumphed after the penalty shoot-out, qualifying for the final for the first time in their history.

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.