AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Brazil will carry a significant edge in experience and a remarkable record of defensive impregnability into Saturday’s final against Serbia at the Under-20 World Cup.
Five-time champion Brazil will be playing in its ninth final, trying to match Argentina’s record of six World Cup titles, while Serbia is a first-time finalist as an independent country, although the broader nation of Yugoslavia made it in 1987.
Serbia will be up against the best defense at the tournament; Brazil has gone 502 minutes—more than 8½ hours—since it last conceded a goal. But Serbia has been similarly sound, topping its group and conceding only four goals in five games.
Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic said “it would be wonderful to make history.”
“Brazil is a great team,” Paunovic said. “But my guys are making history here and the incentive of winning the trophy will give them the energy they need.” AP