Brazil eye record in U-20 final against Serbia

AFP, WELLINGTON: Brazil will chase a record-equalling sixth FIFA Under-20 World Cup title on Saturday in a tournament final that pits South American flair against European pragmatism.
The Brazilians go into the decider against Serbia as heavy favourites after rediscovering their attacking verve in a 5-0 semi-final demolition of Senegal.
But in Auckland they will face a dogged Serbian side who during their time in New Zealand have demonstrated an ability to strangle a match, accounting for more fancied opponents including Mexico and the United States.
For Brazil, the final represents the chance to match Argentina’s record of six youth trophies at a tournament where the South American arch-rivals have long jostled for bragging rights. It would also rub salt into Argentinian wounds after they were bundled out in the group stage for the first time in 24 years.
The Serbs, meanwhile, can announce their arrival on the world stage at a tournament seen as a proving ground for young talent to launch careers at senior level.
Serbia have never appeared in the Under-20 World Cup in their current form, although they won the 1987 edition playing as Yugoslavia, before any of the current players were born.
Serbian skipper Predrag Rajkovic said his team were intent on making history and would not be overawed by the Samba Kings.

Brazil eye record in U-20 final against Serbia

AFP, WELLINGTON: Brazil will chase a record-equalling sixth FIFA Under-20 World Cup title on Saturday in a tournament final that pits South American flair against European pragmatism. The Brazilians go into the decider against Serbia as heavy favourites after rediscovering their attacking verve in a 5-0 semi-final demolition of Senegal. But in Auckland they will face a dogged Serbian side who during their time in New Zealand have demonstrated an ability to strangle a match, accounting for more fancied opponents including Mexico and the United States. For Brazil, the final represents the chance to match Argentinas record of six youth trophies at a tournament where the South American arch-rivals have long jostled for bragging rights. It would also rub salt into Argentinian wounds after they were bundled out in the group stage for the first time in 24 years. The Serbs, meanwhile, can announce their arrival on the world stage at a tournament seen as a proving ground for young talent to launch careers at senior level. Serbia have never appeared in the Under-20 World Cup in their current form, although they won the 1987 edition playing as Yugoslavia, before any of the current players were born. Serbian skipper Predrag Rajkovic said his team were intent on making history and would not be overawed by the Samba Kings.