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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Three-time winners Brazil aim for a record fourth title
Brazil will be aiming for a record fourth title when they take part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017.
Three-time champions of the U-17 World Cup, Brazil have some of the most coveted talent in world football. The South American giants have lifted the Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17 (South American under-17 football championship) title a record 12 times, been runners-up thrice and their worst performance has been a fourth-place finish. They qualified for the U-17 World Cup after winning the 2017 edition. En route, they pumped in 24 goals and conceded just three.
With the likes of Lincoln and Paulinho leading the attack, the Brazilians will be one of the favourites for the title. Their credentials, however, will face a big test when they face Spain in their opener on October 7.
KNOW THE COACH: Carlos Amadeu
When it comes to coaching youth teams, the 52-year-old Carlos Amadeu is an experienced hand. The fact that he submitted Brazil’s 21-member squad well before the September 21 deadline is an indication of how well prepared he is. Having previously coached at the club EC Vitoria and been interim coach for the national U-20 team, he will hope to take Brazil to the coveted title on October 28. Because with Brazil, being second-best just isn’t good enough.
THE POSSIBLE GAME-CHANGERS
Name: Lincoln
Age: 16
Club: Flamengo
Position: Forward
Why he is special: Highly-rated and alongside Vinicius, he could make for one of the most lethal strike partnerships in this age-group.
Name: Alan Souza
Age: 17
Club: Palmeiras
Position: Midfielder
Why he is special:After starring for the U-17 national team, this Palmeiras midfielder has reportedly attracted the interest of Real Madrid.
Name: Paulinho
Age: 17
Club: Vasco da Gama
Position: Forward
Why he is special: The 17-year-old has broken into the Vasco da Gama first team this year, and is one of the country’s most exciting young forwards.
PAST PERFORMANCE: Champions: 1997, 1999, 2003. Runners-up: 1995, 2005. Third place: 1985. Quarter-finals: 1989, 1991, 2001, 2013, 2015. Round of 16: 2007. Group stage: 1987, 2009. Did not qualify: 1993.
PASSAGE TO INDIA: Qualified by winning the Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17.
Results in Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17: Bt Peru 3-0; bt Venezuela 1-0; dw 1-1 V Paraguay; bt Argentina 2-0; dw 2-2 Paraguay; bt Venezuela 4-0; bt Ecuador 3-0; bt Colombia 3-0; bt Chile 5-0.
