Today the championship begins in Colombia, after four years. The Canarinha have won the category continental tournament 11 times, but in the last four editions they have not reached the final.
After four years, the South American Under-20 Championship returns. After a longer than usual wait, due to the pandemic, the traditional “Youth of America” starts this Thursday, in its 2023 version, in Colombia. New talents from this side of the world are entering the scene. The contest grants four places for the World Cup in Indonesia, which is also being played this year. Additionally, the delivery three places for the Pan American Games in Santiago. In the latter case, Chile is already classified as a host.
The competition is inaugurated by the most successful Conmebol team in this category. It is Brazil one of the giants of the continent, which will open the tournament against Peru (7:00 p.m. in Chile). On 11 occasions, the Canarinha obtained the South American Sub 20 title, reaching a championship four times between 1988 and 1995 and, subsequently, a championship three times between 2007 and 2011. However, they fell short recently. In the last four editions, they have not reached the final.
Coach Ramón Menezes had to face several complications for the conformation of his team, given the impossibility of having footballers, since their teams did not abandon them. In the original list was striker Endrick, the latest gem in Brazilian football. At 16, the teenager dazzled with Palmeiras and was bought by Real Madrid, joining the merengue shop when he turned 18. There was also Matheus Franca, from Flamengo. But the two were not released.
In this direction, The big name that Brazil presents in the championship is Vítor Roque. A 17-year-old striker, he plays for Athletico Paranaense and had a footballing blast in the 2022 season, earning a place at Furacao and reaching the Copa Libertadores final, which his side lost to Fla.
“They asked me if I wanted to come, I said ‘of course’, 100% focused. I’m going to leave the State (Championship) aside for a bit and I’m going with the national team to seek this title. Serving the Brazilian team is a great pride for me and I’m sure for my teammates too.”
Moreover, Vítor Roque clarified that the team is focused on securing one of the World Cup places, leaving other goals for later, such as reaching the senior team and, with the qualifications involved , to be in the 2026 World Cup. “I dream a lot, but I prefer to go step by step. Let’s focus on this South American thing, then there’s the Under-20 World Cup, then let’s think about 2026.” said the attacker.
Brazil’s first rival in the effort to dominate South America again, at youth level, will be Peru. La Blanquirroja won the fight against Chile to have striker Sébastien Pineau, who eventually opted for the Inca team, although he participated in the team that Patricio Ormazábal was forging. “I always want to compete,” said the player from Alianza Lima, to justify his determination.
In the other duel corresponding to Group A, the host will make their debut against Paraguay (9:30 p.m. in Chile). Free remains the Argentine team, led by Javier Mascherano.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
