Brazil however, did get off to a flying start when, in the first minute of the game, Igor played a return pass to Carlos Thiago who broke the offside trap and thumped a shot straight at the onrushing England goalkeeper – Thiago should have scored. The final standings… P W D L F A GD Pts Portugal 3 3 0 0 7 2 +5 9 USA 3 1 1 1 3 5 -2 4 Brazil 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2 ENGLAND 3 0 1 2 1 3 -2 1
Chris James and Michael Mancienne both had chances for England early on, but like England’s previous matches, they failed to test the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Chris James, who had a good game, lashed out a boot on 16 minutes and if he had connected with the Brazil player he could’ve headed for the changing rooms. Referee Mr Kaye did well too calm him down.
Two minutes later Gary Roberts made a similar mistake but failed to contact, it was all getting heated in this battle between the two rival nations.The referee went into the middle of the harmless tussle and made sure Roberts was calm enough to continue.
Brazil looked to break the deadlock, Anderson and Bruno both coming close to hitting the back of the net.The young Brazilians were not clinical enough in front of goal.
Murlio hit a powerful effort but Gary Roberts rushed out to block before the ball was even touched by a Brazilian.Roberts was cautioned for failing to retrieve the required distance on the taking of a free kick.
England 0 – 0 Brazil - half time
The second half was as dull as the first. The first chance of the second period took ten minutes to arise, Carlso, the substitute came on and hit a looping effort but Ben Alnwick rose to catch without breaking into a sweat. England’s best likelihood to score came on 53 minutes
A free kick was positioned outside Brazil’s area. Chris James tapped a short ball and substitute Myles Weston hit a low and hard shot through the wall, but it took a deflection and won England a corner.
Carlos and Anderson both had opportunity’s to score but their finishing let them down on 53 and 55 minutes of play.
The events in the second half were limited. Brazil looked capable of stepping up an extra gear but they failed to do so. Edmilson for Brazil and Gary Roberts both had chances but the game remained tied.
The full time whistle was long awaited after a disappointing finale to this four-nation tournament. England will be disappointed with under achieving in this tournament, but Assistant Coach Nigel Pearson said that the young lions have gained some valuable experience:" There's lots of positives to take away from these three matches, it's a new experience for the players against different opponents"
"Some aspects of today's game were good and of course we'd like to have picked up better results, but we're looking at the bigger picture. The boys have gained some valuable experience and will take a lot away from this tournament."
At the end of both matches, Portugal claimed their trophy with pride on the centre of the pitch and replaced England as the PEPSI U17 International Tournament champions.
