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Brazil defeated Mali 2-1 to win the third-place game and finish third in the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 held here in India. The scoreline in truth isn’t a reflection of what actually happened on the pitch as Mali won a lot of hearts in Kolkata and India following their spirited display against Brazil and during the whole tournament.
The game started in a not-so-bright manner as both the teams looked to be getting a feel for each other. Brazil were very lucky to win the game as Mali missed several chances and they were also denied by some brilliant saves made by the Brazil goalkeeper and the World Cup's Golden Glove winner Brazao.
We take a look the main 5 talking points from today's clash:
#5 Brazil win despite lacklustre performance
Brazil finished the FIFA U17 World Cup as the third-placed team despite putting up a lacklustre performance especially in the first half. Most of their players were below par and we really didn't see any good moves until the 85th minute when Yuri Alberto combined with Marcos Antonio to bring about the first true good move by Brazil.
In the first half, except just one brilliant run by Lincoln, Brazil didn't have anything to cheer about. The Brazilian full-backs were just non-existent during most parts of the game. It was such a performance by Brazil that the crowd even started appreciating a back pass from the Canarinhos because quality forward passes from Brazil were as rare as an oasis in a desert.
#4 The first half
Mali totally dominated the first half of the game and created numerous chances their main goal scorer Ndiaye was the culprit of failing to convert some delicious crosses by Hadji Drame, while the Brazao pulled off some stunning saves from shots by Salam Jiddou and Mohamed Camara. Here are some stats that show Mali completely dominated the first half:
- Mali shots on goal/on target: 10/3, Brazil: 2/0
- Mali had 7 corners during the first 45 minutes while Brazil had just one corner during the whole half.
#3 Mohamed Camara, Hadji Drame, Salam Jiddou
Mali might have lost the game and finished fourth in the tournament, but they definitely won hearts today in Kolkata for their passionate display of attacking football. In the first half, Mali completely dominated the game and Brazil were pegged back all through the half.
At the centre of all the happenings were Mohamed Camara their leader and captain, Hadji Drame their diminutive winger who caused chaos in the Brazilian defence and Salam Jiddou the Mali midfield general who was a box of trouble for the Brazilians through the centre of the park.
Jiddou's positioning, passes and runs all made it very difficult for the Brazilians to keep him in check. He was probably the player of the match even though Mali lost the game.
#2 Paulinho’s gesture towards Mali keeper Youssouf Koita
After Mali conceded a calamitous first goal from an Alan shot, the whole Brazilian team erupted in joy and were celebrating near the corner flag except one the Brazilian no. 7 Paulinho, the Vasco da Gama forward walked up the Mali 'keeper and gave him a helping hand and started consolidating him for his blunder and made sure the keeper didn't completely break down for his mistake.
A gesture like this at this level deserves praise and it is note worthy that players showing such gestures is something that wins hearts all day long any where in the world. Youngsters watching the game should be encouraged to show gestures like this one more and more.
#1 Koita’s day to forget in the Mali goal
It was the 55th minute and Alan found himself in ample free space and with no one but the keeper. The pint-sized playmaker decided to shot from the edge of the 18-yard box it was in truth a very poor shot which lacked power and direction and seemed to be an easy catch for goalkeeper Koita but then the unthinkable happened.
The ball had an awkward bounce just before the 'keeper reached and it subsequently went through his legs and slowly rolled across the line for Brazil’s first goal. This incident truly changed the dynamics of the game and Brazil slowly crept into the game and which ultimately led to Brazil winning the game.
