Rhian Brewster scored a hat-trick as England beat Brazil 3-1 in the first Under-17 World Cup semifinal to book their place in the Under 17 World Cup final. The team will play either Mali or Spain in the all-important title decider.
A clinical England team thoroughly outclassed the Brazilians in every section of the field. Though Brazil looked dangerous on the counter, the South Americans lacked bite in attack and were vulnerable in defence. The England U-17 side had beaten Brazil 10 years after their last victory over them.
The game, supposed to be held at Guwahati, was shifted to Kolkata after persistent rains rendered the IG stadium pitch unplayable. It was a massive upgrade as the Kolkata’s 66,600 capacity is nearly three times’ Guwahati’s 23,800. And the 63,000-strong crowd at the VYBK stadium made sure that they played their part, though it was largely in favour of the Brazilians.
England made no changes to their starting lineup against the USA, with Angel Gomes starting on the bench again, while Brazil began with match-winner Weverson in place of Luan Candido at left back.
It was always going to be a goal fest and the end-to-end play from both teams in the first half ensured that there was as much entertainment as promised.
Brewster opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Callum Hudson-Odoi sent a lofted pass over the defence to find the Liverpool boy in space. Brewster beat the offside trap to take a shot. The shot was blocked first time by the Brazil keeper before the Englishman slammed the rebound home.
After England’s opener the team’s defence looked slightly off-colour for a while as the Brazilians launched several counter attacks but couldn’t find the goal until the 21st minute.
A superb passage of play involved a quick one-two between Wesley and Paulinho before the latter hit a powerful shot from the edge of the box straight at goalkeeper Curtis Anderson. Off the keeper, the ball fell to Wesley who jostled with England centre-back Joel Latibeaudiere, before he tucked it in to his left. Unlike England’s goal, the crowd went wild.
Brazil’s Brenner then missed a golden opportunity when he was through on goal with acres of space ahead but his shot was narrowly wide.
In the 39th minute, England punished Brazil for their wasted chances. Phil Foden gave a through ball to Steven Sessegnon who played a low cross across the goal. The Brazil defenders were left flat footed as Brewster collected the ball and smashed it in, to restore the lead for England.
The second half began on a low key as chances from both teams failed to materialise. Phil Foden and Paulinho had their shots saved by the keepers. Yuri Alberto’s introduction, in place of Brenner for Brazil added some panache to the Brazil attack, but the English centre-backs did not relent.
After the water break, a quick counter attack in the 77th minute released Emile Smith Rowe on the right, whose low pass was received gladly by Brewster. A simple tap in helped him notch his second hat-trick of the tournament.
Brazil continued to press and probe but were just not good enough for the British, who ensured that England march into Saturday’s final with yet another awe-inspiring performance.
