FIFA U-17 World Cup: Brazil Edge Past Mali to Finish Third

Kolkata: Brazil profited from Malis horrible defensive lapses to finish with a 2-0 win and take the third place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Saturday. After a goalless first half, Alan scored in the 55th minute, before substitute Yuri Alberto widened the margin two minutes from the end of regulation time of the third-fourth play-off watched by more than 56,000 spectators at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

This is the second time the Selecao boys have finished third after the inaugural edition in 1985 in China. Alan broke the deadlock by capitalising on an incredible howler by Mali goalkeeper Youssouf Koita.

The midfielder snatched the ball from Mammadou Samake and set off on a solo run, before unleashing a rasping grounder from the top of the box.

Koita was in line to block the shot, but failed to hold on to the ball, which went in between his legs, to the utter disbelief of the Mali reserve bench. Koita himself seemed stunned, and wept inconsolably after the game was over.

Alberto, who replaced Lincoln in the in the 74th minute, then made the scoreline 2-0 by latching on to a pass from Brenner inside the box and then let go a right footer virtually unchallenged.

A Mali defender standing close by failed to read the situation and Koita was helpless.
The likes of Alan and Marcos Antonio tried to cut through the Mali defence, but could not make much headway.