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Brazil become 2011 FIFA U-20 champions, Mexico take bronze

Angela Asante, August 21 2011,
Finally, a team managed to put goals past Portugal’s defensive walls made of iron. This team was none other than Brazil, the eventual 2011 FIFA U-20 crowned champions.

Brazil triumphed over Portugal to clinch the2011 FIFA U-20 tournament's trophy

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Related Articles: Brazil, Mexico, France, Portugal
Golden Ball and Golden Shoe winner Henrique didn’t steal the show as many were expecting. Instead, Oscar came to Brazil’s rescue with a hat-trick that stunned Portugal’s seemingly invincible Mika.

The Brazilian match hero put his side in front as early as inside the 5th minute but Alex and Nelson Oliveira rekindled the Portuguese’s hopes. With a quarter of an hour to go in normal time, Portugal looked to have one hand on the 2011 FIFA U-20 title.

However, Oscar’s skill and ambitious spirit proved that any defense can be troubled. A 78th minute equalizer sent the match into extra-time where Portugal couldn’t find the means to get another goal. Oscar turned up one more time with a 111th minute wonder strike—arguably the best of the tournament—as Brazil edged the 5-goal thriller.

 

Meanwhile, the Mexicans successfully made their ultimate wish of winning bronze come true. France got off to a great start after 8 minutes through Alexandre Lacazette. But Ulises Davila quickly restored Mexico’s deficit 4 minutes later. Just as the game resumed after the break, Jorge Enriquez put the eventual bronze medalists in the lead.

There was no comeback for the French as Edson Rivera rounded up Mexico’s 3-1 victory in the third-place final. Coach Juan Carlos Chavez, who saw his team come second best in terms of ball possession and shots, told FIFA.com:

“I’m very happy and before everything else, I want to congratulate my players and thank all the millions of Mexicans who supported us here or at home on the TV. We are very proud to have finished third.”

So Brazil have won gold, Portugal settled for silver medals, Mexico clinched bronze and France had to go home empty handed. The 2011 FIFA U-20 trophy remains in South America as Europe’s last 2 representatives failed to win on the last day of the competition.

Watch video highlights of the final and the third-place final respectively on the Brazil vs Portugal and Mexico vs France match pages.

 

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