Fifa Under-17 World Cup: Mosquito stings as Brazil beat Slovakia 6-1

Abu Dhabi: Brazil showed their intent to win the Fifa U-17 World Cup for a record fourth time as they opened their campaign by trouncing debutants Slovakia 6-1 with their usual brand of entertaining football on Thursday.

Following a cautious start of the match from both teams, the Brazilians soon struck a rhythm and pressed for an early goal with ‘Mosquito’ and Nathan spearheading their attack and with Boschilia close behind.

Brazil took the lead in the 17th minute when Nathan led a fast counterattacking move on the left flank to cross to Mosquito, who was on target. The Slovaks replied after one minute when Jakub Hermada, the captain, sent a fierce one from 30 yards which Marcos, the Brazilian custodian, saved for a corner.

In the 31st minute, Nathan led another fast move and he was brought down in side the box by the Slovak goalkeeper Martin Junas only for Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez to award the Samba Boys a penalty, which Mosquito converted for his team’s second. Mosquito then returned the favour for Nathan, sending him clear in the third minute of injury time to add the third goal.

Nathan began the second half from where he left the first, adding his team’s fourth goal seven minutes after the break and only three minutes later, Caio added the fifth with a tremendous shot from the top of the box.

Defender Denis Vavaro was the hero for the Slovaks, having scored their consolation goal in the 67th minute when his strikers failed to do the job.

Mosquito then completed his hat-trick in the 70th following a through pass from Boschilia. Kenedy replaced Danilo and Indio replaced Nathan, but nothing changed as the match went on with Brazilians in absolute control of the Brazilians.