Brazil book semi-final meeting with France

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• First-half goals from Patryck and Peglow spur Brazil to victory over Italy
• The hosts win their fifth straight match in the competition
• Result sets up semi-final against France

Brazil topped Italy 2-0 on Monday at Goiania’s Estadio Olimpico to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. Buoyed by goals at the beginning and end of the first half, the Seleção are now in the last four for the second straight edition of the competition, having finished third at India 2017. They will take on France in Brasilia next on 14 November.

Brazil

The three-time champions and first-time hosts flew out of the gates, stringing together passes down the left side to open the scoring in the sixth minute. Pedro Lucas’ through ball sprung Patryck free, and the left-back raced into the box. He rocketed his shot high at the near post, beating Italy goalkeeper Marco Molla. Five minutes from half-time, Peglow was a one-man counter attack, bursting through midfield and searching for an opening in the Italian defence. Just when it looked like the window was closing, Brazil’s No10 escaped his marker and received a pass from Lucas. He took his chance low, clanging the ball off the far post and into the net. 

Italy

Gli Azzurrini needed to overcome both an early deficit and a roaring Brazilian crowd at Estadio Olimpico. Molla, one of the top goalkeepers at Brazil 2019 thus far, also had to recover after being swiftly beaten at his near post. Italy’s near-equaliser in the first half came through Willy Gnonto, who positioned himself perfectly to receive Simone Panada’s free-kick but headed the ball over the crossbar from eight yards. Down two goals, Gnonto escaped the Brazilian defence in the 82nd minute and raced to beat goalkeeper Matheus Donelli, but the Italian winger was denied one-on-one. It was the Europeans' last real chance of threatening what ended up a banner win for their opponents.

Up next

Semi-finals
14 November

France-Brazil (Brasilia, 20:00 local time)

Brazil's players celebrate against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Peglow of Brazil celebrates after score against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Costa of Brazil looks to break past Italy players - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Michael Brentan of Italy looks to break past Pedro Lucas of Brazil - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Brazil's goalkeeper Matheus Donelli against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Christian Dalle Mura of Italy reacts to a near chance against Brazil - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Degnand Gnonto of Italy lines up in the wall during match against Brazil - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Kaio Jorge of Brazil reacts during match against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Patrick of Brazil celebrates a scored goal against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Patryck of Brazil scored against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Patryck of Brazil celebrates after scoring against Italy - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

Italy and Brazil make their way out for the start in Goiania - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019

from FIFA.com https://ift.tt/2CBUX2o