Rafa of Portugal heads the ball as Gabriel Boschilia of Brazil defends during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 quarter final match between Brazil and Portugal. Photo / Getty Images.
Rafa of Portugal heads the ball as Gabriel Boschilia of Brazil defends during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 quarter final match between Brazil and Portugal. Photo / Getty Images.
Brazil 0 Portugal 0 (Brazil advance after winning 3-1 on penalties)
Brazil have progressed to the semi-final of the Fifa U20 World Cup after beating Portugal 3-1 on penalties today in Hamilton.
After 120 minutes of goalless action, Brazil were the coolest from the penalty spot as Portugal scored their first, thenmissed their next three kicks.
Lucao missed Brazil's second, but goals from Andreas Pereira, Danilo and Gabriel were enough to see the South American side progress to a semi-final against the winner of this afternoon's match between Uzbekistan and Senegal.
It will be a long flight home for Portuguese substitute Raphael Guzzo who missed Portugal's second penalty by trying a cheeky 'Panenka' style penalty, where he softly chipped the ball straight down the middle, but couldn't fool the Brazilian goalkeeper who stood still and easily caught the ball.
Nearly 10,000 fans packed into Waikato Stadium to watch two of the tournaments best attacking sides, but both sides were let down by some careless finishing.
Portugal had the best chance to win the match in extra time when Nuno Santos was sent clear through on goal, but watched on in frustration as his shot edged agonisingly wide.
Brazil have progressed despite not scoring a goal from open play in over 240 minutes, but have earned their spot in the semi due to an iron-clad defence which hasn't conceded a goal in over five hours of World Cup play.
