Brazil thrash Senegal 5-0

WELLINGTON – Five-time champions Brazil trounced Senegal 5-0 yesterday to set up a Fifa Under-20 World Cup final against Serbia, who edged past Mali 2-1 with a late winner.

Brazil outclassed Senegal to reach the decider of the tournament in Auckland on Saturday, giving them the chance to equal Argentina ’ s record of six youth trophies.

Serbia have not reached the final since 1987, when they played under the name Yugoslavia, and had to battle past the Mali team.

It was an emphatic return to form for Brazil, whose coach Rogerio Micale admitted they were lucky to stay in the tournament after advancing on penalties following 0-0 draws in their previous two matches.

Micale said the performance against a well-drilled Senegal side was a huge confidence boost for his players going into the final.

“Our team has reinvented themselves in this match,” he said. “Both our defence and offence have been amazing.”

While delighted to rediscover their attacking prowess, Brazil have also not conceded a goal in four matches and will go into Saturday ’ s final as favourites to take the title. –