Palmeiras gems shine, but Brazil draws in the debut of the U-20 World Cup

In a highly dynamic match, Brazil and Mexico drew 2-2 on Sunday (28) in the opening game of Group C in the U-20 World Cup at the National Stadium in Chile. The Brazilian team managed to turn the game around to 2-1, but ended up conceding the draw to the Mexican team at the end of the second half. The goals for the Brazilian squad were scored by Rafael Coutinho and Luighi, both from Palmeiras, while the rivals found the net through Domínguez and Diego Ochoa.
The Brazil just added a single point in the draw with Mexico. In the other group match, Morocco defeated Spain 2-0 and earned their first three points. In the second round of Group C, Brazil will face the African team, while the European squad will take on Mexico. Both matches will take place next Wednesday (1).
Brazil gets a scare in the first half
The Mexican team, led by coach Eduardo Arce, opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the first half. After a cross from Mora on the right, Jiménez headed strongly on goal, saved by Otávio Costa. The rebound fell to Domínguez, who made it Mexico 1-0.
Brazil had their first chance at 15 minutes. A corner for the Brazilian team and Igor Serrote tried to score, but the ball ended up in the hands of the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa.
The team led by Ramon Menezes managed to equalize through Rafael Coutinho. The attacking midfielder struck hard with his left foot from the edge of the box, leaving no chance for the Mexican goalkeeper.
From the equalizer, Brazil continued to be pressed by Mexico, who had more possession of the ball. The Brazilian team managed to hold off the opponent’s momentum but faced risks in the first half.
Brazil takes the lead, but Mexico equals at the end
Brazil started the second half better. Just 3 minutes in, Coutinho made a great play, passed an opponent, and took a shot from outside the box. The goalkeeper Ochoa saved it. At 15 minutes, Ramon Menezes decided to make changes. The coach brought in Erick Belé from Palmeiras and Wesley from Al Nassr, replacing Léo Derik and Gustavo Prado.
The changes did not have the desired effect, and Mexico remained the better team. At 26, Brazil hit the crossbar. Gilberto crossed from the right, and Erick Belé redirected, almost turning the score in favor of the Brazilian team. Four minutes later, the teamwork of Palmeiras paid off. Gilberto took a throw-in, Erick Belé deflected it, and Luighi deftly scored with his right foot to make it 2-1.
Brazil couldn’t contain the Mexican pressure, who equalized at 40. After a corner, the defender Diego Ochoa rose at the near post to level the score. At the end of the match, Deivid Washington had a chance to secure the victory for Brazil, but the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa made a great save. In the end, it was 2-2.
FICHA TÉCNICA: BRAZIL 2 x 2 MEXICO
U-20 WORLD CUP – GROUP C
Date and time: Saturday, September 28, at 8:00 PM (Brasília time);
Location: Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos (Santiago, Chile)
Goals: Domínguez 10’/1st half (Mexico); Rafael Coutinho 20’/1st half (Brazil), Luighi 30’/2nd half (Brazil), Diego Ochoa 40’/2nd half (Mexico)
Yellow cards: Igor Serrote (Brazil)
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
Assistants: Daniele Bindoni (ITA) and Alberto Tegoni (ITA)
Lineups: BRAZIL (Manager: Ramon Menezes): Otávio Costa, Igor Serrote (Gilberto Junior), Iago Teodoro, Bruno Alves, and Leandrinho; Rayan Lucas, Leo Derik (Wesley), Rafael Coutinho, and Gustavo Prado (Erik Belé); João Cruz (Murilo Rhikman) and Luighi (Deivid Washington)