The FIFA World Cup title was won by Ghana’s U-20 team 12 years ago, in Egypt against Brazil, becoming the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup title at the U-20 level
After 120 minutes of action, there were no goals and Ghana defeated Brazil by 4-3 penalties to become the first African team in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Cairo.
Brazil’s Maicon would have won the title if it had been 3-2, but he missed his kick wide. The tournament’s top scorer Dominic Adiyiah drew Ghana level at 3-3 before Alex Teixeira saved his kick. Emmanuel Agyemang Badu sent his spot-kick in the back of goal to win the trophy for the African team at the Under-20 World Cup.
It was the second U-20 World Cup final decided by penalty shoot-out. The Black Satellites had already lost the final in 2001 and 1993.
The final was played in front of 67,000 spectators at the Cairo International Stadium. Brazil had the match from the start, however, poor marksmanship and some determined defending by Ghana meant that there were no goals in normal-time.
Brazil started brightly, with Dalton scoring a free goal after only three minutes.
Ghana on the other side seemed a little nervous and couldn’t express themselves like they had in previous matches at this tournament.
Brazil scored four goals after 20 minutes, while the opposition failed to score one.
Brazil’s goalkeeper Rafael raced out of his goal in the 24th minute to handle a corner where Mohammed Rabiu had headed too far from the goal.
Three minutes later, Brazil’s danger man, Alex Teixeira, was booked for handling the ball with his right hand as he made his way towards goal. Daniel Addo, Ghana’s central defense, was also booked for making the same mistake while he was heading towards the penalty box.
After the halt-time, the Black Satellites of Ghana started to play again. Brazil was still setting the pace.
Skipper Guiliano’s dive header at 50 minutes caused confusion in the Ghanaian 18 yard box. But, the West Africans managed to scramble the ball out for a corner.
Brazil’s Alan Kardec was close to breaking the deadlock at the 58-minute mark, but his diving header from the box to break the deadlock was stopped by Daniel Adjei cuddling him. Later, television replays showed that the Brazilian striker had assisted the ball with his hand.
After 65 minutes, Ghana striker Ransford Obei was replaced by Ghandi Dassenu (defender), as the Black Satellites attempted to stop the flow of Brazilian attacks.
In the 70th minute, Kardec had another great chance but failed to direct his goal-bound shot at goal.
Brazil attacked with substitutes Maicon Costa and Douglas Costa, making use of the flanks for opening up the Ghanaian defense. They were able to keep their shape and discipline despite numerous attacks.
Extra-time offered both sides the chance to break the deadlock. Brazil’s Maicon, Douglas Costa, and Wellington Junior were able to win, while Ghana’s Rabiu was unable to score after 100 minutes.
Source: Kingaziz.com