With no margin for error, the teams of Brazil and the Dominican Republic measure forces this Wednesday in the second day of group D of the U-20 World Cup in Argentina, with morale touched after losing in their respective debuts against Italy and Nigeria.
A second defeat at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza would practically mean saying goodbye to the competition.
The pressure is greater on the Canarinha. The South American champions left a worrying image in the defeat against the Italians (3-2), especially in the first half.
The ‘Azzurri’ ran over the team led by Ramon Menezes from all flanks, who knew how to rebuild themselves in the second half with Marcos Leonardo’s double and was about to equalize 3-0.
That good reaction is what Menezes clings to to keep his team plugged in.
“We will come out strong in the next games. Now we have to convey confidence and calm to the players”the coach told reporters.
Two conclusions can be drawn from the stumble against the Italians. The first is that the Brazilians cannot expect the support of a crowd that booed them and dedicated ‘olés’ to their rival; and the second is that there is a bench.
Sávio, Marquinhos, Kevin and Matheus Nascimento entered the second half and changed the dynamics of the party. One of them could start against the Dominican Republic.
The one who seems to have a guaranteed position is Marcos Leonardo, who after losing to Italy stated exhaustively: “We are going to be champions.”
With better sensations the Dominican Republic ended its duel with Nigeria, that prevailed 2-1 against a Creole team that showed its face at all times.
Debutants in a FIFA World Cup, the Caribbean under-20 team, coached by Cuban Walter BenÃtez, He showed that he has not come to Argentina for a walk.
Edison Azcona, author of the first goal for Dominican soccer in a FIFA World Cup, left small doses of his quality, while Xavier Valdez avoided what could have been a win with several merit saves.
Both soccer players, who play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, were the pillars of the Dominican team on the first day and could create problems for a Brazilian team that will arrive with doubts about their game.
Brazil and the Dominican Republic will take to the pitch of Malvinas Argentinas just after the other group D match between Italy and Nigeria was played, in which the two teams will seek to get closer to the round of 16 by adding six points out of six.