France Falls to Brazil in a Thrilling Penalty Shootout!

After defeating Colombia in a dramatic match, the France U17 team faced Brazil in the Round of 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. This marked the fourth meeting between the French and Brazilian U17 teams since 1987, with one win for France (1-2), one for Brazil (2-3), and one draw (0-0).

The players under Lionel Rouxel had a scare early in the match due to a collision in the box (3rd minute). After reviewing the VAR, referee Rustam Lutfullin decided not to award a penalty to Brazil. Half an hour later, the referee awarded a penalty to France after Camara was fouled in the area. Despite Brazil’s attempt to overturn the decision using a green card, the video confirmed Lutfullin’s call. Even though Batola’s shot was saved by Brazilian goalkeeper João Pedro, Rémi Himbert capitalized on the rebound to put France ahead (0-1, 33rd minute), scoring his second goal of the tournament. Shortly after, Troyes striker Christ Batola, the top French scorer in the competition, was carried off the field due to a thigh injury. Brazil then pressed for an equalizer before halftime but to no avail.

France Struggles and Concedes Late Equalizer

In the second half, Brazil continued to put pressure on the French defense. Ilan Jourdren had to make a crucial save from a low free-kick at the edge of the box (52nd minute). Taking advantage of a defensive error, Mounguengue missed a chance to secure France’s lead, failing to convert a one-on-one with João Pedro (56th minute). As the game progressed, mistakes became more frequent along with fouls. Diarrassouba, late in the area, conceded a penalty for Brazil. Jourdren was saved by the left post (83rd minute) but ultimately conceded the equalizer at the end of regular time with a brilliant strike from Pietro Tavares (1-1, 89th minute). This was a tough blow for France, which attempted to earn a penalty for a foul on Lomet shortly after, but referee Lutfullin did not respond, leading the match to a penalty shootout.

The shootout started poorly for France, with Abdoulaye Camara missing followed by a mistake from Jourdren on Brazil’s first attempt. However, Jourdren redeemed himself by saving Brazil’s fourth penalty attempt. Unfortunately for France, Milan Leccese’s shot was saved, allowing Brazil to score the decisive penalty and secure their spot in the quarter-finals. This was a harsh disappointment for the France U17 team. Brazil will face the winner of the match between Morocco and Mali in the quarter-finals this Friday.