Isaque recalls goal against Paraguay and eyes Under-20 reunion | OneFootball

When asked about the best memory Paraguay brings him, Isaque, like a true striker, answers without hesitation: “the goal.” The Shakhtar player is one of the holdovers from Brazil’s Under-20 team’s 2-1 win in the last friendly against their South American rival, in 2025, in the Paraguayan city of Ypané. That is the scenario he hopes to repeat in this Saturday’s match at Martins Pereira Stadium.

Brazil were already leading Paraguay 1-0 when Kaique Kenji found Isaque on the left side of Brazil’s attack. The forward returned the pass and, even after being fouled, stayed in the play. Kenji looked for Isaque again, and Isaque quickly played it to Gabriel Carvalho, who flicked it back to him with a backheel. Then all he had to do was place it into the goalkeeper’s left corner and run off to celebrate. A goal that remained etched in Isaque’s memory.

The prospect of playing in a packed Martins Pereira excites the playerCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The striker says that memory is especially good to relive on the eve of facing the rival again. Even more so at the start of a new cycle with Brazil’s Under-20 team. “I try to remember things I’ve already done so I can do them again the next day. And I’ll always remember the good energy too,” says the forward, eager for this Saturday’s match (28).

The anticipation grows knowing that Martins Pereira Stadium is expected to draw a big crowd: around five thousand tickets were sold in advance, and the local Joseense fans usually turn out in force at the stadium.

Even with little training time, Isaque sees the team coming together under Paulo VictorCredits: Staff Images / CBF

“It’s an indescribable feeling, a very good one. I think it’s every kid’s dream. It was my dream when I discovered I wanted to be a player: to play for this national team. And thank God today I have the opportunity to be here, and with a full house the spectacle is even better. I hope we can bring them a lot of joy, do an excellent job, and leave here with the win,” he says.

The positive thinking, however, does not fool the player: from his own experience, Isaque expects a difficult match against Paraguay. But he trusts in the group’s progress after a week under Paulo Victor.

“We know how they like to play, a combative game, with more contact. We haven’t had much time to work, but this little time with Paulo has been excellent. We’re ready for the match, talking a lot among ourselves. We’re going to put into practice what we did in training and enjoy the moment, because it’s wonderful to wear the national team shirt,” he concluded.

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