MARGAO
Overwhelming favourites Brazil may have faced Niger, debuting in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and playing in their last Group D encounter here, but not many would fathom that the South American football giants would have to outclass the African side's fighting spirit to an eventual 2-0 win. The Carlos Amadeu-helmed side while acknowledging the massive numbers present at the match stated that it felt much like playing at home with the fans vociferously backing them through the 90 minutes.
As
hley Delaney, an e-waste recycling consultant had a good time watching the match with his family from the East Stand. "Niger lacked finishing in their attacks allowing Brazil defenders to regroup. The Brazilian passing was excellent and the score could easily have been more. It was lovely watching the precision with which they launched their attacks with coordination," the Saligao-based Brazilian fan stated.
Merlyn D'Silva, who has been following the pulse of the tournament in the State, was one among the several thousands who ensured not to give the Brazil game a miss. "Though the Brazilians had a lead in the first half, the second session was more on the defensive side. Niger could not break the defence. The latter half showed Niger attempting to fetch a goal. Nevertheless, it was a good game. Compared to the last few matches, this one had a good crowd support vouching for the Brazilians," the South Goa based emcee said.
Savio Rodrigues, a teacher, raved on the exemplary skills on the world-beating side from South America. "The Brazilian team played a style which is reminiscent of classic Brazilian football with the focus on offensive play, quick touches, pace, skills and individual playmaking. The players pressed the debutant opponents whenever they lost the ball. The samba team was well-gifted in terms of talent and calibre known for their technique and dribbling ability," the Margao resident gushed. Sarah Menezes e Colaco, a pharmacist, lapped up every bit of the Brazilian front-line's sublime skills. "They were brilliant. The trio of Lincoln, Paulinho and Brenner played well and troubled their rivals' defence. Paulinho's beautiful assist to Lincoln which gave them an early lead, followed by Brenner's free-kick that doubled their lead were examples of beautiful play from the team," she reflected.
Topping Group D with nine points with three wins in as many matches, the pre-tournament favourites and three-time world champions at the U-17 level return to Kochi to play Honduras in the Round of 16 on October 18, which promises to be another endearing experience for their mass following arising from the artistry through football they bring to India.
Merlyn D'Silva, who has been following the pulse of the tournament in the State, was one among the several thousands who ensured not to give the Brazil game a miss. "Though the Brazilians had a lead in the first half, the second session was more on the defensive side. Niger could not break the defence. The latter half showed Niger attempting to fetch a goal. Nevertheless, it was a good game. Compared to the last few matches, this one had a good crowd support vouching for the Brazilians," the South Goa based emcee said.
Savio Rodrigues, a teacher, raved on the exemplary skills on the world-beating side from South America. "The Brazilian team played a style which is reminiscent of classic Brazilian football with the focus on offensive play, quick touches, pace, skills and individual playmaking. The players pressed the debutant opponents whenever they lost the ball. The samba team was well-gifted in terms of talent and calibre known for their technique and dribbling ability," the Margao resident gushed. Sarah Menezes e Colaco, a pharmacist, lapped up every bit of the Brazilian front-line's sublime skills. "They were brilliant. The trio of Lincoln, Paulinho and Brenner played well and troubled their rivals' defence. Paulinho's beautiful assist to Lincoln which gave them an early lead, followed by Brenner's free-kick that doubled their lead were examples of beautiful play from the team," she reflected.
Topping Group D with nine points with three wins in as many matches, the pre-tournament favourites and three-time world champions at the U-17 level return to Kochi to play Honduras in the Round of 16 on October 18, which promises to be another endearing experience for their mass following arising from the artistry through football they bring to India.
