Football: Brazil, Portugal clash in final

BOGOTA: Brazil will start off as favourites when they clash against Portugal in the final of the under-20 football World Cup today, 20 years after clashing in the 1991 edition, which was won by the Portuguese and launched the careers of Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos. The Portuguese have reached the final despite scoring just five goals. But they are still to concede in five games at the tournament. However, Brazil will be confident for a sixth title in their eighth final. “We know Portugal are very strong defensively, with [Portugal goal-keeper] Mika yet to concede a goal here,” said Brazil coach Ney Franco. “But we have quality forwards and this will be a tough match.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2011.