FPF competitions director Fabio Moraes hails Brasileirão Sub-20 | OneFootball

Moraes highlighted the competition’s current formatCredits: Joilson Marconne / CBF

The balance of the final between Vasco and Palmeiras was praised by Fabio Moraes, director of Competitions at the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF). In the official’s view, the Brazilian U-20 Championship plays a role that goes beyond the title race and must prepare players for the different scenarios they will face in their careers.

"Youth competitions must have the obvious goal of helping athletes learn to compete, learn to cooperate, and learn to lose. I think the main objective of youth competitions is development," said Moraes.

In the official’s assessment, development comes precisely through the experience gained during tournaments. Winning, losing, working as a team, and dealing with decisive matches are all part of a process that, according to him, should prepare players for an increasingly demanding level.

"Athletes need to be prepared to represent the Brazilian National Team, to represent their clubs, and to represent the country abroad as well," he said.

Moraes also highlighted the current format of the Brazilian U-20 Championship. The first stage, played as a single round-robin over 15 matchdays, gives players a run of matches before the knockout stage begins, when the pressure increases and each result can determine the teams’ future.

"I think these competitions, now with this structured 15-match, single round-robin format, are essential before playing the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. It prepares everyone for the ultimate objective," said the director.

After losing the first match 1-0 at São Januário, Vasco won 2-0 at Nubank Parque (learn more here), overturned the tie 2-1 on aggregate, and won the first Brazilian U-20 Championship in its history.

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