Brazil U-20 5-0 Costa Rica U-20: Selecao Youths Fly To Five-Goal Win
It turned out to be a relatively straightforward affair in the opener in Group E as Brazil overcame Costa Rica 5-0. Three goals before the interval and two after gave Brazil a wonderful platform from which to build for the rest of the tournament.
Brazil U-20 5-0 Costa Rica U-20 - Lineups/Stats
FIFA U-20 World Cup Fixtures, Results, Standings
The scoreline may have flattered the young Brazilian side as Costa Rica failed to make the most of their chances. Back in 2007 only two goals separated the teams in the final reckoning, as Brazil squeezed Costa Rica out of the tournament, claiming the final best third-placed spot thanks to a better goal scored record. However, the meeting between the champions of North and Central America and South America turned out to be a far more one-sided affair this time around.
A brace from on-loan Internacional striker Alan Kardec did the damage before the break, with Guiliano chipping in with an effort to send the Selecao into the dressing room three goals to the good after 45 minutes.
Brazil didn't take their foot off the gas in the second half adding two more, although it took them until the final quarter of an hour to put the gloss on an impressive scoreline, thanks to strikes from Alex Teixeira and Boquita.
Whilst the outcome of the match may have proved somewhat one-sided, the organisers of the tournament will be heartened by the attendance. A near-capacity crowd came in to watch the match and after some disappointing attendances for earlier games hopefully this will be the encounter that catches the imagination of local fans in Egypt.
The pre-tournament favourites have warmed up nicely for the rest of the tournament, while Costa Rica look like they'll have something of a mountain to climb if they wish to become a factor at the tournament.
Walter Townsend, Goal.com
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