Brazil Lift Tenth South American U-20 Championship

Brazil trampled on their South American rivals en route to success in the continental U-20 Championship and underlined their everlasting credentials as the world’s leading producer of prodigies. The tournament, staged in Venezuela for the fifth occasion since it began in 1954, enticed the watchful eyes of Europe’s most famous clubs as the next generation of marvels pitted their abilities against one another.

Distinct from the majority of other international competitions, the structure of the South American U-20 Championship consists entirely of a group format as opposed to a knockout format. The six progressing nations from the initial two groups were Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The zealously hostile duel between Brazil and Argentina, both whom are typically favourites for any football competition whether it be at youth or senior level, had presented itself once again and many expected these two to contest the title. It was an important occasion for Argentina to demonstrate they have the talent and capabilities to thrive, especially considering that they have only triumphed three times compared to Brazil’s dominant nine and even Uruguay’s seven – despite the last of those coming in 1981. Six titles on the world stage (U-20 World Cup) means Argentina can bask in the limelight as the most successful team in their own right, but living in the shadow of their adversary should have spurred them onto greater and brighter prospects.

As the final standings illustrate, Argentina failed to win any of their five matches in the concluding group phase and their frail performances have been punished by the realisation that they will not even be given the chance to defend their FIFA U-20 World Cup crown. It will be the first time that their illustrious name has been absent from the World Cup in 16 years and is certain to dent the pride of the nation.

The malfunction of one heavyweight virtually handed the trophy to another as Brazil glittered the event with their newest collection of surreal idols-to-be. Such was the scale of supremacy that Brazil had sealed qualification to the World Cup as early as the third round of matches and were simply competing for pride in the final match as they were unassailable leaders.

Venezuela spurred themselves on as the hosts to qualify for their first World Cup as yet more evidence gathers of their rising presence on the international stage. Hopes can be raised in future years that the senior team can follow suit now that several youngsters have clearly and confidently emerged.

Paraguay and Uruguay joined Brazil and Venezuela to conclude the quartet who advance to the finest platform of them all at this age group. Ecuador’s ill-fated campaign can be considered extremely unlucky as they finished on six points in the first round, equal with Venezuela, Argentina and Columbia and missed out only by the luck of a coin toss. Chile, Peru and Bolivia, however, cannot be consoled as their tenure in the competition faced an abrupt exit by an early round elimination.

With the glaring non-appearance of the reigning champions next summer in Egypt, Brazil can reap the benefits and chase down championship number five on the African continent.