Brazil’s World Cup Dream Ends After Dramatic Loss to Portugal

Portugal ended Brazil’s hopes of winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a thrilling 6–5 victory in a dramatic penalty shootout in the second semifinal. With the win, Portugal advanced to Thursday’s final, where they will face Austria.

The two heavyweight sides met on Monday night at the Aspire Zone in Doha. Portugal aimed to reach the trophy for the first time in their history, while Brazil were chasing their fifth title. In the end, fortune favored the European side.

Both teams attacked from the start. Portugal took six shots and Brazil eight in the first half, but neither side found the net. The story remained the same in the second half as several chances were created but no goal was scored.

After 90 minutes with no extra time allowed in the U-17 World Cup, the match went straight to penalties. Both teams converted their first five attempts, pushing the shootout into sudden death. Portugal goalkeeper Romário Cunha missed his own penalty but made amends immediately by saving Ruan Pablo’s shot off the post.

Portugal then scored in sudden death, and Brazil’s Angelo fired his effort over the bar—sending Portugal into wild celebrations.

Earlier in the day, Austria defeated Italy 2–0 in the first semifinal. As a result, Austria will face Portugal in the final on November 27, while Brazil will play Italy in the third-place match.