KOCHI: Having staged a comeback win over Spain in the marquee clash in the group stage of FIFA U-17 World Cup, Brazil would be hoping to turn it on once more against North Korea in a relatively easier fixture for them at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Tuesday. Unless they return for any knockout matches, this will be Brazil's last match in the group stage at Kochi as they play their third group fixture against Niger in Goa. A win would, more or less, assure Brazil of a place in the pre-quarterfinals.
North Koreans come into the match after losing to debutants Niger in their opening encounter and have their task cut out to stop the marauding Brazilian strikers. The three-time champions showed in the game against Spain they have plenty of talent in their squad to fill the void left by Vinicius and they certainly are strong contenders for a fourth title.
Brazil coach
Carlos Amadeu
had spoken highly of his team's mental toughness before the tournament began and his boys displayed that trait in ample measure against Spain. The defence, which looked all at sea in the initial phase of the game against Spain, regrouped quickly and settled into their roles perfectly. From midfield, Marcos Antonio and Alan Souza will again try to form the supply line for Brazil against North Korea. The Brazilians have an aggressive trio of Brenner, Paulinho and Lincoln, to capitalize on the balls fed by the midfielders.
The Brazilian team would go into the game unchanged. Though they are clear-favorites, Amadeu said that they would not take North Korea lightly. "We are playing in a World Cup. So all the opponents would be hard to beat. I know North Korea play a fast game. They control possession a lot. They shoot a lot into the opponents' post. We are ready to face North Korea challenge," the coach said after their practice on Monday.
The ground support they are receiving in Kochi is only going to boost the confidence of the Brazilians. Thousands of fans, clad in yellow jerseys, came to see Brazil play their first game giving the Little Canaries a feeling of playing at home, as acknowledged by their coach Amadeu. The atmosphere would be no different for the second game. Meanwhile, Vinicius’ replacement Helio Junio, Sao Paulo’s U-17 squad member, has joined the squad in Kochi.
On the other hand, the North Korean coach Kim Yong Su emphasized that his team would look to strangle Brazil with a defensive approach. But the question is whether his players can walk the talk.
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