THE semi-finals in the FIFA U-20 World Cup took place on Wednesday in Pereira and Medellin Colombia, and it’s Brazil v Portugal for the final.
Brazil send off Mexico
Riding an emotional high after soundly beating the host nation in the quarterfinals wasn’t enough to get Mexico past a talented Brazil side. The South Americans will be looking for their fifth U-20 title, after falling just short last time. In the 2009 edition Ghana surprised Brazil in Egypt and won it all.
There wasn’t any scoring for most of the game, but that didn’t mean a lack of action. The ebb and flow of the contest slightly favoured Brazil early with more chances, but for the most part was fairly even.
The second half was uneventful, until a 69th minute substitution brought Dudu into the game for Brazil. His cross to Henrique shortly after resulted in a header that went wide, but it laid the groundwork for the offensive surge.
In the 80th, Henrique tried another header that went to the back of the net for the first goal. The score didn’t remain 1-0 for long, as he got his second in the 84th off a ball from Dudu. His brace sealed the fate of Mexico.

Portugal silence France
The final will be a rematch of the 1991 event, when Portugal defeated their former colony on penalties to win the U-20 World Cup.
To reach the final this time, Portugal went through the field of the tournament without conceding a goal. The stout defence which had taken them to the semifinals was enough to squelch France as well, with the match ending in a 2-0 Portugal victory.
France were the better side on possession and shots made, but fell short when it came to finding the back of the net. A header from Danilo opened up the scoring for Portugal in just the ninth minute, and a shot off a penalty in the 40th gave Portugal the 2-0 margin before intermission, which held until the final whistle.
Classic strong offence meets sturdy defence for the final
Brazil in some observers’ minds won the 2011 U-20 World Cup when they defeated Spain in the quarterfinals. People with that view see the rest of the tournament as merely putting a stamp on their assessment. Portugal, of course, will have none of that talk.
With his brace in the semifinals, Henrique is tied for the lead of goals scored in the World Cup with five. Brazil lead all participants with 15. That scoring power against the side not allowing a goal yet is a recipe for some great soccer when the final takes place in Bogota August 20. (Yahoo Sport)