Brazil secure place at Korea 2007

Record three-time champions Brazil will be represented at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup after a 4-0 reverse of Venezuela guaranteed Edgar Pereira’s side a place in Korea. Goals from Lulinha, Fabio, Bernardo and Tales secured the Seleção their third straight victory in the six-team final phase of the South American U-17 Championship, sealing them one of the continent’s four places at the global showpiece, which will be disputed from 18 August -9 September.

Brazil’s latest success followed defeats of Argentina and Peru, 2-0 and 4-0 respectively, and kept them on course to claim an eighth continental crown at U-17 level. Ahead of their remaining two games against Colombia and hosts Ecuador, the 2005 winners hold a three-point advantage over both Argentina and the Colombians.

Corinthians starlet Lulinha continued his arresting form by architecting Venezuela’s downfall in Ibarra. Indeed, the 16-year-old complimented his eleventh goal of the campaign with an eye-catching performance, Brazil’s fourth goal emanating from his delightful back-heel, which brought back memories of former Corinthians and Brazil great Socrates. The inventive Tales of Internacional, Vasco’s Alex and Fluminense left-wingback Fabio, who scored his fifth goal of the competition, also impressed for the Seleção, who will be among the favourites to claim gold on Korean soil.

Brazil won their first U-17 FIFA World Cup at Egypt 1999, before successfully defending their crown in New Zealand two years later and adding a third title at Finland 2003. Two years ago in Peru, however, they lost out to a formidable Mexico side in the competition’s deciding match.