Coutinho's second shot at glory
Philippe Coutinho has unhappy memories of his first FIFA competition, when he formed part of a Brazil side which crashed out in the group phase of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009. Returning to the world stage two years on at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, the midfielder and his team-mates look set for a longer run after easing past Austria in their second game and reaching the top of Group E.
“I’m not going to deny it. Getting knocked out in Nigeria after drawing with Egypt played on my mind for a while,” the gifted No 10 told FIFA.com. “I’ve got over it now, though, and I’ve spoken about it a lot with Casemiro, who was also there.
“That early exit was pretty horrible, but luckily it’s part of the past,” he continued. “We’re winning here, and the most important thing is that we’re playing well and improving with every game. We need to build on that and keep on developing through the rest of the competition.”
My aim is to win a title... and play at the Olympic Games. My dream is also to win here and go back to Brazil with the cup.Brazil's Philippe Coutinho
The former Vasco da Gama youth product is happy with his contribution to Brazil’s progress so far, as he should be. His mazy dribbles and pinpoint passes were a feature of Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 defeat of the Austrians. “I played well in that game, but we all put in good performances,” he said. “I know I can give a lot more, but I’ll get there as long as I keep on working.”
One of Coutinho’s playmaking partners at Nigeria 2009 was Neymar, currently an object of desire for the heavyweights of European football. The Santos star was the top scorer in this year’s South American U-20 Championship, which was won by A Seleção in the injury-enforced absence of Coutinho.
With Neymar now absent from the Colombia 2011 squad, can Coutinho fill in and inspire the Brazilians to another world title? “He’s a personal friend of mine and a fantastic footballer,” replied the Inter youngster. “But we’ve got some other very talented players in this team. My job is to create play but I don’t feel it’s any more of a responsibility just because he’s not here. As long as everyone in the team is doing what they have to do, we can definitely improve as the tournament goes on.”
Unlike many of the other players sharing the stage with him in Colombia, Coutinho has already made the move to Europe, where he hopes to emulate the successes of his role models, Ronaldinho and Kaka. And as you might expect of an Inter Milan man, he is determined to reach for the top: “My aim is to win a title, which is something every player aspires to in their career, and play at the Olympic Games. My dream is also to win here and go back to Brazil with the cup.”
After his Nigerian nightmare, that would be one very happy ending.
Brazil and Mexico finally hit their stride in their second matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011. Recovering from slow starts in their groups, they sauntered to respective 3-0 victories over Austria and Korea DPR, in games notable for some classy goals. A Seleçãozinha delighted the fans in Barranquilla with two fine team moves orchestrated by Oscar and Philippe Coutinho, the first ending in a goal for Henrique and the second rounded off by Willian Jose. The impressive Brazilians now stand on the brink of the Round of 16.
Mexico revived their hopes of going through by bouncing back from an opening-day defeat by Argentina to sweep the North Koreans aside. Their victory was the first by a CONCACAF side in the competition. Elsewhere, La Albiceleste missed out on the chance to go through a game early when they were held to a goalless draw by England, who have now gone 12 FIFA U-20 World Cup matches without a win. The English do have two points to their name, however, and victory over the Mexicans in their final game will see them through to the last 16.
And in the day’s other game, Egypt continued their excellent start to the tournament by edging out Panama to add three points to the one they collected against Brazil. The win was the Egyptians’ tenth at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, putting them third on the all-time African list behind Nigeria with 15 and Ghana with 20.
Results
Group E
Egypt 1-0 Panama
Brazil 3-0 Austria
Group F
Mexico 3-0 Korea DPR
Argentina 0-0 England
Goal of the day
Taufic Guarch 54’, Mexico-Korea DPR
Mexico were already 1-0 up, albeit through a Ri Yong-Chol own-goal, when they fashioned a sumptuous strike of their own, Guarch’s powerful drive from 20 yards out just evading the despairing dive of Om Jin-Song to nestle in the back of the net.
Memorable moments
The shine was taken off Brazil’s handsome win over Austria by three worrying injuries that will have coach Ney Franco fretting. Alex Sandro was the first man to limp off after only 12 minutes, to be followed by Henrique, who gave an inspired goalscoring performance, midway through the second half. Casemiro then completed an unwanted triple when he left the field in tears following a heavy challenge.
No stopping high-flying Mexico
The appearance high in the Medellin sky of planes, helicopters and even an airship prior to Mexico’s game with Korea DPR provided a taste of things to come. The North Korean defenders were soon looking to the heavens as the Mexican served up a festival of long-range shooting, firing in 26 shots during the course of the game, two of which found their way into the back of the net, with another striking the crossbar.
Not so easy for Egypt
Villains and a hero
The Medellin crowd were in no mood to get behind Walter Perazzo’s Argentina, booing them for long periods of their match against England. There were cheers in Barranquilla, though, when Brazil’s Danilo sportingly kicked the ball out of play to allow an injured Austrian rival to receive treatment, a gesture that was loudly applauded by the fans and the opposing players.
The stat
200 - The landmark number of FIFA U-20 World Cup goals Brazil tallied when Henrique struck their first in the defeat of Austria. Far and away the most prolific team in the history of the competition, A Seleçãozinha have taken 91 games to reach that figure, which equates to an average of 2.21 goals per match. Their 100th goal in the competition came at Qatar 1995 and was scored in the quarter-final win over Japan by Caio Ribeiro, who has since become a commentator.
Up next
Bogota will come to a standstill again on Tuesday when Colombia take on Mali in their second game. Still buoyant after the 4-1 demolition of France, Los Cafeteros will almost certainly go through if they can beat the Africans. Korea Republic take on the French in the other game in Group A, also in the Colombian capital, while Cali is the venue for the day’s matches in a tight Group B, with Uruguay doing battle with New Zealand and Portugal facing off with Cameroon.
Brazil return to form at Austrians expense
Brazil have claimed top spot on goal difference in Group E at Colombia 2011 following a comfortable 3-0 win over Austria in Barranquilla.
After an inconsistent display in drawing 1-1 in their opener against Egypt, Brazil returned to form in scoring the opener before the interval, while two further goals ensured the contest was over just past the hour mark.
Brazil took the initiative from the outset in warm conditions, and looked especially dangerous with free-kicks and crosses. Ney Franco’s side dominated the contest but at times were guilty of not being able to provide the final pass.
Henrique headed over for the South Americans just five minutes into the match, while at the other end Austria had a good chance of their own but Andreas Weimann was quickly closed down by goalkeeper Gabriel.
Henrique, arguably the most dangerous player on the field, was at it again soon after with his left foot strike saved by Samuel Radlinger.
Midway through the opening half Casemiro missed an incredible chance from close range. Receiving the ball from the left the Brazilian somehow contrived to miss an open goal, as he pushed his effort wide.
The South Americans finally broke the deadlock eight minutes before the break with a sumptuous team goal. Oscar exchanged passes with Coutinho, with the pair setting up Henrique, who only needed to push the ball home for Brazil’s 200th goal in the history of the competition.
The one-way traffic continued after the goal and Henrique twice almost scored just before half-time. He firstly fired wide from close range, before then striking the post with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Austria to their credit returned from the sheds with renewed determination and Weimann, after receiving a great pass from captain Michael Shimpelsberger, was denied only by an excellent Gabriel save.
However the Europeans were soon deflated as Brazil doubled their advantage. Danilo was brought down as he attempted to round the goalkeeper and Philippe Coutinho converted from the penalty spot.
The momentum was very much with the Brazilians now and Willian tried a spectacular volley in the penalty area only for the ball to fly over the crossbar. Henrique then narrowly failed to get on the end of a Coutinho cross.
The third and clinching goal finally arrived on 63 minutes with Willian converting after some superb lead-up work involving Oscar, Coutinho and Casemiro.
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