Brazil Under-20s beat Bolivia 2-0

The Under-20 team played a very intense match against BoliviaCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

In a friendly as part of its preparation for the South American Championship and the World Cup in the category, the Brazil Under-20 National Team defeated Bolivia 2-0 this Sunday (9) at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis (RJ). Bruninho and Heittor scored the goals. On Wednesday (12), the two teams will face each other again in the morning at the same venue.

The Under-20 South American Championship will be played in January 2027, with the host country still to be defined. The Under-20 World Cup, meanwhile, will bring together 24 teams in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, on a date to be officially announced by FIFA.

In the Under-20 team’s fifth friendly under Paulo Victor, the Canarinha was far superior, created countless chances, and only failed to hand the Bolivians a rout because of goalkeeper Govea’s performance and the Brazilians’ lack of sharpness in front of goal.

Bruninho opened the scoring with a moment of real class in the 12th minute, dribbling past two markers and finishing with his left foot. In the 36th minute, Heittor doubled the lead after pouncing on the rebound from the goalkeeper following a powerful shot by Pedro Gabriel. Between the first and second goals, Brazil had four more chances to score: through Ryan, Belé, Bruninho, and Djhordney. In three of them, Govea made difficult saves.

Brazil created countless chancesCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

While piling pressure on the visitors, Brazil also stayed alert defensively and left no room for surprises. Bolivia’s first shot on target only came in the 41st minute, with Kauan making the save.

For the second half, coach Paulo Victor rotated the squad. At halftime alone, he made three changes and, by the end of the friendly, had made six more. The Brazil National Team continued to dominate completely and reached the Bolivian penalty area with ease.

But Govea stood out again and prevented Heittor, Ruan Pablo, Jhuan Nunes (twice), and Juninho from turning it into a rout.

CBF men’s youth national teams coordinator and four-time world champion Branco was at Granja Comary to watch the friendly.

Brazil – Kauan (Léo Nanetti), Ryan (Angelo), João Souza (Breno), Bruno André (Luis Eduardo), Pedro Gabriel, João Paulo, Djhordney (Chrystian), Pedro Ferreira (Yuri), Bruninho (Ruan Pablo), Erick Belé (Juninho), and Heittor (Jhuan Nunes). Coach: Paulo Victor.

Bolivia – Govea, Torrez (Molina), Estrada, Cuestas, Eguez, Saldias (Ruiz), Chávez (Uzeda), Merida, Chacón (Michel), Perez, and Estenssoro. Coach: Oscar Villegas.

Referee – Edna Alves Batista (SP). Assistant referees: Brigida Ferreira (AL) and Gizeli Casaril (SC).

Venue – Granja Comary, in Teresópolis (RJ).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.