New Zealand fights but is beaten by Brazil at U17 World Cup

New Zealand knew they would have a hard time against Brazil – but probrably they never imagined they almost could get something from this match. The Kiwis had at least three real goalscoring chances against the powerhouses but could not came up with a good result.

Brazil started the match with a lively attacking front looking to find an early goal. Kaio Jorge almost found the nets in the early minutes, but only in the 20th minute after a superb play by Gabriel Veron that the Number 9 of Santos FC in Brazil could find the nets of New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.

Brazil kept the possession after their goal and kept creating chances. New Zealand had a clear chance to score before the end of the first half when the new signing of Tasman United, Jesse Randall, gave a powerful shot saved by Brazilian keeper in a free-kick attempt.

The turning point of the game happened when Brazilian right-back Yan Couto was sent off after stepping on Matthew Garbett leg. With the help of VAR the referee from Guatemala sent off the Brazilian defender and the South Americans were forced to play with 10-men.

The second-half was entirely dominated by the Oceania champions – something to be already proud off. The introduction of the Auckland City duo Bradley Wilson and Nathan Lobo in the second half helped New Zealand to create real chances to score. The first of them was with an attempt finished by Oskar van Hattum that went close to the post of Brazilian goalkeeper – the play was created by Marko Stamenic with a brilliant pass to the left wing – the cross found van Hattum in the middle of the area.

New Zealand kept dominating the possession of the ball – having more the ball than Brazil in the entire game – and Jesse Randall had another very good opportunity to score. He received the ball inside the area, rounds the defender and shots just close to the post. Once again, New Zealand fell short to score. Henry Hamilton also had a very good chance with a free-kick near the area, but it was wasted.

Unfortunately for New Zealand they would suffer more two goals until the end of the game. Despite a very good tournament so far, the goalkeeper Alex Paulsen made a terrible mistake when tried to dribble Talles Magno. The wonderkid took off the ball from Paulsen feet and send the ball easily to the nets.

Even with one more young men in the pitch in comparison to the hosts, New Zealand could not make the goal they needed and still allowed the Brazilians to score. In another defensive mistake, the substitute Diego scored the third of the Brazilian side to seal their hard fought victory. Despite a 3-0 scoreline, the game was even much more closer than the result says – New Zealand had 53% of ball possession.

New Zealand has now slight chances to proceed to the knockout round. The four best 3rd placed team also proceed to the Round of 16 and New Zealand hopes to count with some luck from the other matches in the groups of this edition of U17 World Cup. To keep their chances alive, New Zealand will need to win their final game in the Group A against Canada – it would help a lot if they could score the maximum number of goals possible to decrease their -4 goals average.

New Zealand will have their final match in the Group A on the following Saturday (02/11) at 12am NZT.