English youngsters beaten by Brazil

Football

Football

English youngsters beaten by Brazil

England's under-21 team gave a good account of themselves against Brazil in Toulon last night, but eventually succumbed 2-1. Brazil created the better early openings, but England took the lead in the 54th minute when Tottenham striker Steve Slade won the ball and neatly slid it through to Tranmere's Ian Moore. He took one step before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard shot which the Brazilian goalkeeper Noronha could do little about. But Brazil equalised three minutes later. Evando sent a measured through- ball to Alex who controlled it, turned and struck home a left-foot shot from 12 yards out. After 61 minutes, Brazil took the lead when Abailcon latched on to a perceptive through-ball by Athirson and hit a first-time left-foot shot which trickled under goalkeeper Chris Day's body and over the line. Brazil will meet the hosts, France, in tomorrow's final.