From the chip to a new chapter: Tiaguinho on adapting to the U20s | OneFootball

One of the most iconic moments of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup was defensive midfielder Tiaguinho’s chipped penalty in the tense shootout against Paraguay, in the match that sent Brazil through to the round of 16. The play, which spread across the football world and social media, showed the Brazilian player’s technique and composure, and he is now enjoying a new challenge: his first call-up to the Brazil U-20 national team.

As fate would have it, Tiaguinho’s first opponent after moving up a level was also Paraguay. He says that remembering the play, which shattered the Paraguayan goalkeeper’s confidence and taunts, gives him an extra boost of confidence to start this new cycle well.

Tiaguinho during training at Canindé: his first U-20 call-up has been memorableCredits: Staff Images / CBF

“That game was very difficult for us. We ended up having a player sent off five minutes into the match, so it was almost the entire game with one man less, chasing the game and having to give even more. When I stepped up for the penalty, I already knew I was going to do that. And then when the goalkeeper started taunting me, it actually made me feel even more relaxed to take the penalty. That moment was really special,” recalls the “ice-cold” Tiaguinho.

The midfielder says this new phase could not be starting any better. He explains that the experience with the group—made up almost entirely of players who are already part of their clubs’ senior squads—and with coach Paulo Victor gives him a sense of progress in his career.

The midfielder says having Paraguay as his first opponent in the new age group was a good signCredits: Staff Images / CBF

“One way or another, it’s something different from the U-17s. The experience has been really great. Paulo Victor has been giving us very good guidance, a really nice game idea. I want to make the most of the opportunities I get so I can keep going strong here. And play going forward, with joy, always looking for the result,” he concluded.

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