By our man in Doha
DOHA, QATAR – Brazil marched into the semi-finals of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup tonight after a gruelling 2-1 victory over a spirited Moroccan side in a match defined by late drama at the Aspire Zone – Pitch 7 complex in Doha.
The modest setting of Aspire Zone’s Pitch 7—one of the eight purpose-built venues hosting matches outside the final—did little to dampen the fierce quarter-final atmosphere, with the two sides battling for over 100 minutes under the Qatari lights.
The Brazilian youngsters, sporting their famous canary-yellow shirts, drew first blood when their star striker, Dell, struck in the 16th minute.
However, the Atlas Cubs showed incredible resilience, finding a dramatic equaliser deep into first-half extra time. Baha powered home a goal in the 49th minute (first-half extra time) to send the travelling Moroccan support into raptures and ensure the score was level going into the break.
The second half was a tense, cagey affair with both sides pushing for a winner without success, leading to another period of extra time. Just as penalties seemed inevitable, Dell stepped up to become the Brazilian hero for the second time.
In the 95th minute, he delivered the decisive blow, converting a chance to make it 2-1 and shatter Moroccan dreams.
The defeat sees Morocco’s historic run in the expanded 48-team tournament come to an end, but Brazil now advance to the semi-finals, keeping their quest for the coveted U-17 title alive. All eyes will now be on the Aspire Zone once again for the next round of knockout action.
