Mexico Vs. Brazil, U-20 World Cup 2011 Semifinals: Henrique Fires Brazil Into Final

With all of the beautiful, attacking football that the Mexico senior and Under-17 teams have played this summer, they must have used up all of the attractive football that El Tri sides had in them. The El Tri Sub-20 side was a bit lucky to get to the semifinals of the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and in the second half of the semifinal, they finally met their match in Brazil. After an opening 60 minutes of even play, Brazil finally broke out of their shell while Mexico failed to raise their games. One Henrique brace later and Brazil are headed to the semifinals.

Both goals were fairly simple finishes by Henrique, but the main difference between the two sides is that he finished those chances while ‘Cubo’ Erick Torres did not. The first was assisted by Neguebo and the second came in from Dudu, both of whom played well in the second half.

It hasn’t exactly been the most thrilling of halfs in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, as both Mexico and Brazil look a touch nervous. However, The El Tri Sub-20 side look the much more lively of the two teams and have been on the front foot for most of the first half. Neither team has been able to create clear-cut chances, but the ball has spent more time in the Brazil penalty area than the 18-yard box on the other end of the field.

The two big stars in the game have had very different halves. Phillipe Coutinho has struggled to impose himself on the game, while ‘Cubo’ Erick Torres has been far and away Mexico’s most influential player. While Brazil are struggling to create chances, Mexico’s back line deserves plenty of credit. Brazil have been average, but not bad, and Mexico have defended exceptionally well.

Could Mexico really capture three major trophies in one summer? They already have the 2011 Gold Cup and the 2011 Under-17 World Cup under their belts, but due to the fact that they won’t have the highly partisan crowds that they enjoyed in both of those competitions, a victory at the 2011 Under-20 World Cup might be the most impressive of them all. El Tri’s Sub-20 side is up against an extremely difficult challenge in Brazil on Wednesday night, as they feature a number of established professional stars. Here are the lineups.

Mexico lineup: Rodriguez; Acosta, Araujo, De Buen, Orrantia, Torres, Davila, Enriquez, Ibañez, Guarch, Reyes

While Brazil was battling the extraordinarily good Spain side, Mexico was taking on Colombia. They were not tested in nearly the same way, although going up against the hosts is never easy, and Mexico looked every bit the better team. Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres knocked home a penalty and Edson Rivera tallied twice to lead them past the hosts, 3-1.

Impressive or not in the quarterfinals, Mexico are the underdogs in this semifinal. Brazil are the favorites to win the whole tournament now with a potent attack that has scored a tournament leading 13 goals. Philippe Coutinho and Henrique each have three goals to lead the attack, while Willian has also proved to be dangerous. Add in Dudu, the Brazilians’ super sup who had three goals of his own and the attackers never really stop coming for Brazil.