A second international hat-trick in two games by Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster sent England under-17s to the World Cup final, as they beat Brazil 3-1 in Kolkota on Wednesday to continue an astonishing run of English success at youth level.
Brewster earned the headlines for his smartly taken goals but there was plenty on show to suggest that this, in addition to the World Cup winning Under-20s England side, is part of another potential golden generation, The Telegraph reported.
Brazil, roared on by a majority of supporters, started on the attack but as jangling nerves settled, it was England that took charge of the game early on.
Steve Cooper’s team passed confidently into the Brazil half, never hurrying, staying patient. Midfielders linked passes with defenders, who found midfielders, who probed the final third waiting for an opportunity.
After a spell of possession, Brewster finally hit the back of the net. Brazil tried to respond immediately but England kept its shape and discipline.
Eventually the waves of attack broke down England’s defense. Man City’s Curtis Anderson parried Paulinho’s powerful shot but only as far as right-back Wesley, who capitalized on slack defending to force the ball past the goalkeeper and make it 1-1 after 21 minutes.
But England didn’t panic, passing confidently against the famous Brazil until the players found themselves back in front.
Another patient, structured, flowing move paid off in the 39th minute, as a cross from the right wing was pounced on by Brewster, who kept his cool to slam home from inside the six yard box to restore the lead.
The half time whistle meant the job was only half done and a disciplined England returned after the break, maintaining their solid 4-2-3-1 shape, pressing at the halfway line and never rushing.
In the second half, Brewster’s improvised finish completed a second hat-trick in two games, and put the game to bed.
Brazil, visibly deflated, knew the game was up and collapsed to the floor at the final whistle in tears, consoled by its joyous opponent.
Brazil head coach, Carlos Amadeu, accepted his team’s defeat in the semifinal and said that England deserved to win the match due to its efficiency in front of goal.
“They were effective. They created opportunities and scored. England deserved to win. We played well in the first half but couldn’t score.” said Amadeu.
Left winger Brenner had the perfect opportunity to score for Brazil when he found himself one-on-one with England goalie Curtis Anderson, but the effort on goal was wide of the mark. His coach, however, refused to single him out for the team’s general profligacy.
“I think in football you cannot pick one moment. We were playing good. They scored first but we came back. We got many chances to score but couldn’t. Both teams could win. We played against a great team trained by a great coach Steve Cooper,” he added.
“No issues with the tactics. We played well today. The defense was also good. There were some mistakes and England scored and won” suggested Amadeu.
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