ABU DHABI, 16 December 2003 — Brazil and Spain are to meet in Friday’s final of the World Youth Cup after both won their respective semifinal matches yesterday.
Spain edged out Colombia 1-0, while Brazil ended Argentina’s hopes of a fifth World Youth Cup title when they won their all-South American semifinal clash 1-0 in Abu Dhabi.
Argentina will meet Colombia in the third-place playoff in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
In Dubai, Spain and Colombia were involved in a niggly match in which both sides seemed more interested in breaking down the opponent’s game, rather than winning.
Spain controlled most of the first half, but failed to capitalize on their dominance. The 1999 champions created several chances through Sergio Garcia and Juanfran, but could not beat goalkeeper Hector Landazuri.
The South Americans played better in the second half and created several chances themselves, but failed to score past Riesgo.
The only goal of the game came five minutes from the end, after referee Frank De Bleeckere adjudged Yulian Anchico to have handled the ball in the area. Barcelona midfielder Iniesta made no mistake from the spot, sending Landazuri the wrong way.
Earlier in Abu Dhabi, Brazil were the better side throughout and fully deserved their 1-0 victory, which came through midfielder Dudu’s 65th minute goal.
Brazil, whose last success in the tournament dates back ten years, should have opened the scoring in the first half as they completely dominated play.
Defender Daniel, who is one of only two foreign-based players in the Brazilian side, came close to putting his side ahead midway through the first half when he went around Argentina’s goalkeeper Gustavo Eberto, but instead of going for goal, he played the ball back to Juninho. The delay allowed Eberto to get back into play though and make the save.
Brazil finally got their breakthrough in the 65th minute, when Dudu rose above his defender to head home a Daniel corner. It was the midfielder’s fourth goal of the competition and allowed him to become joint top-scorer.
Argentina, who needed a last gasp-equalizer against the US in the quarterfinals to stay in the competition came agonizingly close in the final minutes again, but Franco Cangele failed to connect with the ball after Brazilian goalkeeper Jefferson stood glued to his line. They then managed to hold onto the single goal lead for the remaining time to set up their sixth appearance at the World Youth Cup. If they win Friday’s final, they will become the first country in history to hold the under-17, under-20 and senior World Cups at the same time.
