Jogo bonito helps Brazil overcome Scotland in absorbing tie
|Image: Anita Milas
There were shades of France 98 as Brazil edged Scotland in an absorbing encounter on Day 3 of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
Backed by vocal Scottish support in the stands waving the odd Saltire, Scotland started off the match much the stronger of the two sides, enjoying most of the possession and snuffing out any Brazil attacks with some solid defensive play.
Scotland took an early lead after a Brazil error saw Scotland’s captain played through on goal to slot by the Brazil goalkeeper.
A flurry of chances for Scotland to extend their lead followed, but they came unstuck by a combination of the post and some excellent goalkeeping, with the Brazil goalkeeper putting his body on the line to make a number of excellent point-blank saves with his legs and feet.
|Image: Anita Milas
A first Brazil chance was blazed over the bar, a second hit the post and a third saw the Scotland goalkeeper forced into action to make a great save as Brazil sought to get themselves level.
Scotland then came agonizingly close to scoring a second, with a shot striking both posts, before a Scotland player sent his shot wide after a ricochet sent him clean through on goal.
With the clock winding down to half-time, Brazil found themselves level after a quick great interchange of passes left a player free to slot home a right-footed shot past the Scotland keeper.
The goal just before half-time cajoled Brazil into action, and they started the second half much stronger than the first.
|Image: Anita Milas
It wasn’t long before Brazil took the lead via a real piece of ‘jogo bonito’, with a lofted pass to escape the oncoming Scottish players found a Brazil player with time to slot home with a right-footed shot past the Scotland goalkeeper.
A couple of fresh Scotland substitutions saw Scotland dominate again for a brief spell before Brazil capitalised on a stray Scotland pass to put themselves 3-1 up with four minutes left in the second half.
With Scotland pressing hard to reduce the deficit, the Brazil goalkeeper was called into action, making a smart save with his feet after a strong challenge sent a Scotland player through on goal, before he dived to his left to block a fizzing long-range shot by Scotland.
Under the cosh, Brazil changed tactics and sought to keep onto the ball to limit any further Scotland attempts on goal, engineering a lengthy period of possession play to wind down the clock and see out the game to earn a 3-1 victory.
The emotion of one Brazil player pumping his fist to his chest on hearing the final whistle symptomatic of how hard-fought a game it was, while Scotland can take heart from the fact that, undoubtedly, the Brazil goalkeeper was the star player of the match.
Speaking after the game, Brazil coach Pupo Fernandes said: “It was a very difficult match. Scotland are a very strong side. We grew into the game as it progressed. In the second half we improved our passing and movement and were able to enjoy more possession.”
“It’s a very difficult tournament with a lot of good teams who are getting better as the tournament progresses.”
Goalkeeper Guilherme Temistocles said: “Goalkeeper Guilherme Temistocles said: “The match was very difficult. I’m very happy with the victory. I am very happy to be here because it’s something I’ve dreamt about.
“Only by being here do you feel the value of the tournament. It’s wonderful for me to represent the Brazil national team.
"We are together on and off the pitch and if God helps us we can get the trophy.”
Words: Craig Williams
Photos: Anita Milas