An own goal by Leone just three minutes into the first half defined the Brazilian Under-23 team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mexico, in the semifinals of the Pan-American Games in Santiago-2023. The game took place on Thursday night (1/11) at the Sausalito Stadium, in Viña del Mar. With the result, Brazil will seek Olympic gold, which it has been chasing since the 1987 title. The final will be against Chile, which scored 1-0 in the United States in the other semifinal game, also this Wednesday.
Brazil and Mexico played a balanced game with a dramatic ending. But in the end it was the Canarinhos – Photos: Lesley Ribeiro/CBF
Photo: Jogada10
The decision will be on Saturday, at 8pm (Brasília time), at the Sausalito Stadium. Brazil will seek the penta, as it won in 1963, 1975, 1979 and 1987. In fact, the final is the repeat of what took place at the 1987 Pan in Indianapolis, when Brazil won 2-0, goals from Washington (from Casal 20 , Fluminense) and Evair. Chile has never won gold at the Pan.
Brazil scores at the beginning and suffers at the end
Brazil was very happy to reach the goal after just three minutes. After many exchanges of passes, the ball reached Marquinhos on the right. Shirt 10 cut the marking, went to the baseline and crossed. The goalkeeper tried to palm it, but he threw it over defender Leone. A strange goal, but one that put Brazil at an advantage. The duel remained open, with the teams looking to attack, but without success until the break.
In the second half, after some balance in the first 25 minutes, Mexico started to press in the final stretch, trying to equalize. And he almost did it at 44. Fulgêncio took a free kick and Leone almost redeemed himself. The attacker’s header was accurate, but Mycael made a great save. Guaranteed Brazil in the final.
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