Brazil and Portugal will meet in the World Under-20 final on Saturday, 20 years after clashing in the 1991 finale, which was won by the Portuguese and launched the careers of Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos.
Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 while Portugal ousted France, also 2-0, in their semi-finals on Wednesday.
Saturday’s game is a chance for five-time winners Brazil to avenge the 4-2 defeat they suffered against Portugal in 1991, even if the match will not hit the same attendance heights. Portugal’s win that day was watched by 120,000 people packed into Lisbon’s Stadium of Light. The Portuguese have reached the final despite scoring just five goals — the same amount netted by Brazilian striker Henrique, who hit both goals in the semi-final win. But they are still to concede in five games at the tournament. Brazil will start as favourites for a sixth title in their eighth final, having now gone 13 games without defeat. “The final will have a Portuguese flavour to it. We know Portugal are very strong defensively, with (Portugal goalkeeper) Mika yet to concede a goal here,” said Brazil coach Ney Franco. “On the other hand, we have some real quality forwards, which all makes for an appealing clash of styles. We’ve been studying our opponents carefully but I know this will be a tough match.” Portugal coach Ilidio Vale believes his team’s rock-solid defence will counter Brazil’s attackers, who have scored 15 goals so far. “We deserve credit in getting to the final without conceding a single goal. We managed to score two goals, and it was enough to beat France, the European (under-19) champions,” he said.
