Carol Melo hails Seleção quality, eyes U17 South American semi-final | OneFootball

One of the standout players from Corinthians’ youth academy and a regular presence in Brazil’s Under-17 national team, Carol Melo is experiencing an important moment in the South American Championship for the category. With a perfect campaign so far, Brazil is preparing to face Chile in the semifinal of the competition, a match that grants a place in the final and brings the team closer to qualifying for the World Cup.

In an interview with CBF TV, the midfielder highlighted the Brazilian squad’s main strength and emphasized the technical level shown throughout the tournament.

Photo: Staff Images/CBF

“This group is very technical. Each player’s individual quality is insane. Every piece adds to the playing style, which makes Brazil more attacking and more intense,” she said.

Speaking further about the team’s current moment, Carol showed confidence in their preparation for the decisive stage and outlined the Canarinha’s goal in the competition.

“We’re arriving well prepared. We had a lot of training sessions focused on this moment we’re about to experience. I’m happy and, God willing, we’re going to Morocco,” she added.

International experience

Wearing the No. 8 shirt, she is one of the athletes who took part in the previous edition of the Under-17 South American Championship in 2025 and was called up again for this year’s tournament. With seven call-ups to the national team, the player spoke about her development over that period and the experience gained in international competitions.

“I feel very happy and grateful. With every call-up, we keep improving. Yes (I feel more experienced), but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is an international competition and the weight it carries.”

Development at Corinthians

A product of the youth ranks, Carol Melo built almost her entire career at Corinthians after a brief spell with Centro Olímpico. The player also praised the club’s current structure and the legacy left by previous generations in women’s football.

“I’m sure it’s very different from what it was for them. Today we have many things they didn’t have. They did an incredible job, and today we’re reaping the rewards of that,” she highlighted.

Semifinal set

The Brazilian national team takes the field this Wednesday (6) in a single-match clash against Chile. Whoever advances will play in the South American Championship final on Saturday (9), while also moving closer to securing a spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Unbeaten and with a 100% record, Brazil heads into the decisive stage with momentum, with Carol Melo as one of the midfield pieces in the pursuit of another continental title.

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