Monday 12 November 2007

Brazil Win South American U-15 Championship

A victory for Brazil, coupled with a loss for Uruguay, gave the host nation their second successive South American U-15 Championship on Sunday.

Going into their game against Chile, the Brazilians knew that a large victory would be required in order to put pressure on Uruguay in their later game against Argentina. And that was exactly what they got. Goals from Felipe, Belchior and Matheus Carvalho allowed them to record a 3-0 victory, leaving Uruguay requiring at least a draw to take the title in the final game.

Perversely, it was Brazil's great rival, Argentina, who clinched the championship for them by beating Uruguay 2-1. Matias Sosa gave Argentina the lead in the opening five minutes, only for Uruguay to equalise through the impressive Nicolas Mezquida quarter of an hour later.

Uruguay seemed content to hold out for the draw, with their tentative play allowing Argentina to take control of the game early in the second half. Mauricio Alfredo Aubone gave Argentina the lead for a second occasion after fifty-seven minutes and despite their best efforts, Uruguay were unable to find a way back into the game. Their frustrations boiled over at the end of game, with Alex Da Silva red-carded for foul play.

The results meant that Brazil won the championship on goal difference, with Matheus Carvalho's eighty-eighth minute strike providing the one goal cushion by which they were victorious.

Nicolas Mezquida of Uruguay and PeƱarol won the golden boot, scoring five goals in seven games, leaving him two clear of a gaggle of players tied on three goals.

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