Brazil 3
Mosquito 72’, Boschilia 80’, 90+3’
Russia 1
Makarov 90+1’
Sent off
Barinov (Russia)
ABU DHABI // Brazil have reached the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup after beating Russia 3-1 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday night.
After some early possession by Brazil, it was the Russians who settled into the game better, with Aleksandr Makarov the main threat on the left wing.
For Brazil, Boschilia and Nathan provided the best moments, but often came up against a packed Russian defence.
Just after the half-hour mark, Brazil could have taken the lead with the best chance of the half. From a corner, midfielder Danilo’s powerful header was saved by Anton Mitryushkin in the Russian goal.
On 35 minutes, Boschilia – the scoring leader in the tournament – received a yellow card for a dive and will now miss the next match.
Three minutes into the second half, the same player shot into the side netting when through on goal. Caio meanwhile had a fierce shot deflected for a corner.
With 20 minutes left, Dmitriy Barinov was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Auro. Three minutes later, Brazil took the lead through Mosquito after an excellent play down the right by the right-back.
Boschilia seemed to have ended the contest with an excellent left-foot finish with 10 minutes on the clock. Makarov pulled one back for Russia in the 90th minute but there was still time for Boschilia to score his second of the match to wrap up a 3-1 win.
Brazil coach Alexandre Gallo acknowledged that his team struggled to overcome Russia but was ultimately satisfied with his team’s display.
“It was a good game, we tried to play attacking football, “ he said. “We had some troubles in the first half, especially in getting the ball into their penalty area.”
He credited the interplay of his forwards Boschilia and Caio for the improvement in the second half.
“As we have done in other matches, we adjusted in the second half and performed well,” he said. “The result was good. We deserved the win and we could have scored more.”
Gallo also dismissed suggestions that the sending off Dmitriy Barinov was the decisive moment of the match.
“No I don’t think so, we were dominating the second half when it happened.”
Russia’s coach disagreed, claiming it cost his side the match.
“We thought the player got to the ball first,” Dmitry Khomukha said. “But we cannot say for sure before we see the replay.”
He admitted to being surprised by Brazil’s direct approach but praised his player for the efforts in the match and the tournament.
“We cannot fault any of them, they did their best,” he said. “Physically I think we wre at a disadvantage against other teams.”
akhaled@thenational.ae
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