Sub20: Uruguay and Brazil dominated from start to finish

BOGOTÁ (AP) – Uruguay and Brazil, the two most successful teams in the region in the Sub20 category, have confirmed their supremacy in the South American championship disputed in Colombia.

The two teams arrived unbeaten on the decisive date of the hexagonal final of the tournament which grants four places at the World Cup in Indonesia, which will take place between May and June.

La Céleste, with a perfect record of four victories in the final round, only needs a draw in the direct duel against Brazil to be crowned for the ninth time in the youth tournament. His 19 goals in eight games is the highest number in the competition.

Meanwhile, Canarinha, who won the South American title 11 times, was unbeaten in eight appearances and only dropped points in draws against Colombia.

The hosts, who complete the World Cup and Pan American Games qualifiers in Chile, have affirmed their local status to advance to the ecumenical event for the eleventh time.

LAST TICKET IN GAME

The latest World Cup ticket keeps the excitement going all the way with the dispute between Venezuela, Ecuador and Paraguay.

The “Vinotinto”, which must defeat Colombia on the last day, scored only one goal in play during the championship – the other four came from the penalty spot – and saw its fence fall 13 times.

Ecuador, the last champions of the South American U20 Championship, could not repeat the successes of 2019 and reached the last day with only one point in France, the same as Paraguay.

NUMBERS TO FOLLOW

Given the absence of promises such as the Brazilian Endrick, a new signing for Real Madrid and who will remain with Palmeiras until he turns 18, the Argentinian Alejandro Garnacho, who plays for Manchester United, and the Colombian Jhon Jáder Durán , who left his squad’s focus after being signed by Aston Villa just before the start of the tournament, other figures took center stage in the staged action in Cali and Bogotá.

The 17-year-old striker Vitor Roque, who last year played for Athletico Paranaense in the Copa Libertadores final against Flamengo, confirmed his precocious talent by reaching the closing day as top scorer, with six of the 17 goals scored by Brazil.

His teammate Andrey Santos, recently acquired by Chelsea, stood out for his ability to control the game and penetrate the rival box, where he scored five goals.

Along with a goalscorer, three of Uruguay’s most notable players also appear.

Luciano Rodríguez, who moved from Progreso to Liverpool in his country at the end of the previous year, shone with his power, his imbalance and his shot. At his side, Álvaro Rodríguez, striker of Real Madrid Castilla and who has already made his debut with the Merengue first team, exhibited his virtues in the definition of offensive reference.

In the Uruguayan midfield, Fabricio Díaz shone for his technique and maneuverability, as well as his precision in the shots on goal, from which he added three of his five goals.

Colombia exported two of their best talents during the competition. Captain Gustavo Puerta captivated the Bayer Leverkusen scouts with his gift for commanding and kicking the ball, while skillful winger Daniel Luna caught the eye of the Mallorca scouts.

ALBICELESTE IN INDEBTEDNESS

Argentina, under the technical direction of former international Javier Mascherano, failed to make their debut with the three stars on their shirt and, despite arriving among the favorites, quickly became a disappointment after being eliminated in the first round with only one victory in four presentations.

The Albiceleste could not take advantage of midfielder Máximo Perrone, signed in January by Manchester City; Nicolás Paz, who plays in the lower ranks of Real Madrid; and Facundo Buonanotte, who has already made his Premier League debut for Brighton, and was nowhere near battling for a World Cup place, which they have won six times.