Brazil have positioned themselves for a thrilling encounter with the Flying Eagles, following their resounding 6-0 triumph over debutants Dominican Republic on Wednesday night in the FIFA U20 World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Having stumbled in their opening match to Italy, the Brazilian squad rebounded emphatically against their Dominican counterparts, who were reduced to ten men after captain Edison Azcona received a red card in the 85th minute.
By that point, the five-time champions were already leading comfortably at 4-0, courtesy of goals from Salvio, Marcos Leonardo, Jean Pedroso, and G. S. D. Nascimento. Further strikes from Marlon Gomes and Matheus Martins completed the rout, solidifying Brazil's path to victory.
With this commanding win, Brazil surpassed Italy, their previous conquerors, on the Group D standings, securing second place behind leaders Nigeria. Both Italy and Brazil now have three points from two games, yet the South American team boasts a superior goal difference.
Recall that Italy secured a 3-2 victory over Brazil in their first matchup, earning them three crucial points.
However, the Italians faced a formidable Nigerian team on Wednesday evening, meeting their downfall as Salem Fago headed the Flying Eagles in front in the 61st minute. The exciting Jude Sunday followed up with a stoppage-time goal, resulting in an impressive 2-0 win for the West Africans.
Nigeria's triumph propelled them to the summit of Group D, accumulating six points, having also secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic on matchday one.
The stage is now set for a gripping encounter between Nigeria and Brazil.
While the Flying Eagles have already secured their place in the knockout round, they can claim the top spot in Group D by avoiding defeat against Brazil.
The South Americans, on the other hand, are strong contenders to progress as one of the best third-placed teams if they suffer a loss to Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the former champions will aim for another resounding victory against the Flying Eagles, which would propel them to the summit of Group D.
The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and Brazil will transpire at the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona in La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, on Saturday, May 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm Nigerian time.
