Brazil Advances to Final of South American U-17 Championship

CARTAGENA, Colombia — The Brazil national under-17 soccer team secured a spot in the finals of the South American Championship by defeating Chile 1-0 on April 9, 2025, at Estadio Olímpico. This victory not only clinched their place in the deciding match but also guaranteed their qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, set to take place from December 3 to 27.

The Brazilian squad showcased dominance throughout the game, creating numerous opportunities while maintaining solid defensive play. A critical moment came in the second half when Dell, a player from Bahia, found the net after a well-placed cross from Ruan Pablo in the 64th minute. Despite a close call when Chile’s Molina hit the post shortly after, Brazil held its lead to secure the win.

Head coach Dudu Patetuci expressed pride in his team’s performance. “From the beginning, we knew Chile would come at us strong, but we dominated the game and secured the victory,” he stated during a post-match interview with SporTV.

During the group stage of the tournament, Brazil finished at the top of Group B, amassing three wins and one draw, scoring eight goals and conceding three. They topped off their semifinal performance with a narrow win over Venezuela, reflecting their competitive edge.

For Colombia, they also proved formidable in their respective journey through the tournament. They advanced to the final after finishing first in Group A and defeating Venezuela 5-1 in the semifinals. The only blemish on their record came from a loss to Brazil during the group stage. Historically, Colombia seeks its second championship title, having only won once in 1993 when they last hosted the tournament.

Looking ahead to the final, Brazil aims for a consecutive championship and their ninth title in the 21st century, while Colombia hopes to break a long-standing barrier. The anticipation builds as both teams prepare for a decisive showdown in pursuit of glory.