England stun Brazil, set up final date with Spain

Kolkata, October 26
Rhian Brewster struck a sensational hat-trick, his second in as many matches, as England handed pre-tournament favourites Brazil a stunning 3-1 defeat to cruise into their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup final here today. Brewster, who had scored a hat-trick in his side’s 4-1 decimation of the USA in the quarterfinals on Saturday, scored in the 10th, 39th and 77th minutes in front of a shell-shocked Brazil-supporting packed house.
England, who reached the semis for the first time in their fourth appearance, were clearly the better side today as they did not allow Brazil to get on top. England played an open game and had almost equal possession at 46 per cent, and their attacking trio of Phil Phoden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Brewster created a lot of problems for the Brazil defence. England had five shots on target while Brazil had nine but the South American champions were uncharacteristically wayward. Their famous creativity was not there as England dominated the midfield play.
England moved ahead in the 10th minute when Hudson-Odoi cut in from the left flank and his pin-point cross was prodded towards the goal by Brewster. Brazil keeper Brazao just about managed to push the ball out, but Brewster slammed it back in on the rebound.
Brazil, however, didn’t take long to draw parity. In the 21st minute, after a neat exchange of passes with Marcos Antonio, Paulinho drilled in a low shot straight to the England goalkeeper, who failed to make a neat stop. On the rebound, a lurking Wesley fired the ball into the open net. England, however, kept up the pressure and regained the lead in the 39th minute with Brewster scoring from close range.
Tough battle
In the second half, both sides had an almost equal number of chances. In the 50th minute, Marcos Antonio’s long shot was parried by the England goalie. Four minutes later, it was the turn of England to have a go at the Brazil goal. Hudson-Odoi ran down the right and crossed perfectly for an unmarked Brewster but the Liverpool lad headed it over the bar.
Brewster, however, struck in the 77th minute after substitute Emile Smith Rowe got the better of his marker at the right flank and sent a perfect cross for Brewster to send the ball crashing into the Brazilian net.