There couldn’t have been a more opportune moment for England to face Brazil than now. Historically, the Three Lions have struggled against the mighty five-time world champions, but Brazil’s current state of affairs seemed grim. They had ended a calendar year with more defeats than victories for the first time since 1963 and suffered three consecutive losses in World Cup qualifiers—an unprecedented situation casting doubts on their qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Enter Dorival Junior, the newly appointed coach tasked with resurrecting the South American giants. After being turned down by several renowned tacticians, Brazil settled on Junior, whose managerial resume includes 23 different spells at 20 clubs. Acknowledging the challenge, Junior admitted he needed time to turn Brazil’s fortunes around, and that England’s world-class attacking prowess could easily overpower his struggling team.
However, defying all expectations, a 17-year-old prodigy emerged as the catalyst for Brazil’s shocking victory over England. The young talent’s exceptional performance fired Brazil to a much-needed win, revitalizing their hopes and lifting the nation’s spirits. This unexpected triumph not only halted their losing streak but also showcased the potential of Brazil’s next generation.
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How a 17-year-old prodigy fired Brazil's shock win over England
cgtn.com
