Cruzeiro starlet nets late, sends Brazil to U17 World Cup quarters | OneFootball

Brazil is secured in the quarterfinals of the Under-17 World Cup. In a dramatic match held this Tuesday (18) in Doha, Qatar, the national team overcame France on penalties after an exciting 1-1 draw in regular time. One of the heroes of the match was forward Pietro Tavares, who was trained in the youth categories of Cruzeiro and came on in the final stage, leaving his mark in the final minutes and keeping Brazilian hopes alive in the tournament.

The team led by Dudu Patetuci had to demonstrate mental strength and technical quality to react to the adverse score. Already in stoppage time, Pietro emerged as a decisive piece: he received the ball in the area, showed composure, and found the net, taking the game to a penalty shootout, won by Brazil 4-3.

Besides the forward, another “Cria da Toca” played an important role in the qualification. Midfielder Felipe Morais, who has been one of Patetuci's tactical references, started once again among the starters and helped in building offensive plays until he was substituted in the second half.

Tense game and heroic qualification

The clash between Brazil and France in the round of 16 of the Under-17 World Cup was marked by balance, tension, and a great deal of drama from start to finish. In the first half, both teams defended well, offering few openings. Early on, the Brazilian team used its review request to claim a possible penalty on Lucas Ramon after a corner, but the referee did not call the foul.

Minutes later, it was France that was awarded a penalty after João Pedro went for Camara's feet. The Brazilian goalkeeper even saved Batola's initial shot, but Himbert quickly capitalized on the rebound to open the scoring.

Brazil nearly equalized at the start of the second half when the French goalkeeper parried a free-kick from Ruan Pablo and Luis Eduardo hit the post on the rebound. France responded with Mounguegue, stopped by a great intervention from João Pedro, who kept the team alive in the game.

The scenario took on a dramatic turn in the final minutes: Pietro was brought down in the area and Brazil had a penalty confirmed even after a French review. However, Ruan Pablo struck hard and hit the post. When elimination seemed inevitable, Pietro, coming off the bench, seized a loose ball in stoppage time and sent it into the net, tying the game 1-1 and taking the decision to penalties.

In the decisive shootout, João Pedro started by saving Camara's shot once again. Brazil converted with much drama and maintained a slight advantage throughout the series. Pietro, the hero of the goal in regular time, ended up missing his shot, but the Brazilian goalkeeper shone again by saving Leccese's kick. Subsequently, Ruan Pablo had the chance to redeem himself and struck with style, securing the 4-3 victory and the spot in the quarterfinals.

Now, the national team awaits the winner of Morocco and Mali, which will be played this Tuesday (18). The quarterfinal match will be next Friday (21).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.