If Brazil is to win the FIFA under-20 World Cup they will have to do what Argentina did two years ago – recover after losing their first game. In 2005 the USA pulled off the upset, this time it was Poland. What’s more Poland did it playing for over an hour after Krzysztof Krol of Real Madrid was sent off after collecting a second yellow card from referee Howard Webb.

Krol’s dismissal came just minutes after Bordeaux’s Grzegorz Krychowiak curled a 30-yard free kick over the Brazilian wall for what turned out to be Poland’s only shot on goal and in turn, the only goal of the game. The free kick was well struck but the positioning of Brazilian goalkeeper Cassio was dreadful. 

In the first half the Poles picked up two other yellow cards while embarking on a policy of take-no-prisoners. With the possibility of going down to nine men only one mistimed tackle away Poland showed a great deal more discipline and control in the second half as they comfortably absorbed pressure from Brazil.

Brazil dominated possession (62-38) over the ninety minutes but failed miserably when it came to creating clear cut chances. If Brazil was to score it was going to come through Lima (first half) and Renato (second half) but time after time the final pass failed to find its mark.

The Brazilians lacked width in attack and tenacity up front. Luizao at centre back hardly put a foot wrong for Brazil and was by far their best player.

For Poland, Dawid Janczyk was tireless during his 73 minutes on the pitch while Strugarek and Fojut were both immense in defence. In all a poor Brazilian performance that a solid and motivated Polish side punished.

Team Notes
"The New Zealand midfielder Chris James has withdrawn from the FIFA under-20 football World Cup in Canada, citing family reasons.The 19-year-old is returning to his home in London, ruling him out of New Zealand's group C matches against Portugal, Gambia and Mexico from Tuesday.He can't be replaced under FIFA regulations, leaving New Zealand one player short of the 21 allowed.New Zealand face a tough opener against the two-time champions Portugal at Toronto's National Soccer Stadium. Kick off's at a quarter past six on Tuesday morning, New Zealand time." New Zealand Radio.

You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.

You can also check out the National Post blog on the tournament.