Golden Eaglets on a title defence mission

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Photograph by FIFA.com

Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits. 

A Seleção were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.

Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance.

The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out.

The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title.

They will head to Concepcion for Thursday's semi-final against the winner of tomorrow's quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico.

Quotes"We knew it was important for us to make the most of our opportunities, especially if we dominated the game at some point, but we didn't. Their goals were scored in only five minutes because of specific chances, not because we were not balanced. We would like to have put Nigeria behind on the scoreboard, but we failed to score. For these kids, everything that has happened here is part of their learning process," Carlos Amadeu, Brazil coach. 

"Is not like we scored three goals and that was it. Before that our side had 15 very good minutes, when they moved the ball around as we knew they could. You have to give credit to my kids, who were tranquil and kept their cool to deal with the Brazil pressure and then scored at the right time. For them, to beat Brazil is a big confidence boost. We still have a long way to the title, though," Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria coach.

Culled from FIFA, CAF.

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