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Korea defeats Brazil in dramatic 1-0 upset at U-17 World Cup

October 19, 2015
South Korea's Jang Jae-won, center, and Brazil's Leandro Do Nascimiento vie for the ball during the Under 17 Chile World Cup at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso Stadium in Coquimbo, Sunday (KST). (Yonhap)

South Korea’s Jang Jae-won, center, and Brazil’s Leandro Do Nascimiento vie for the ball during the Under 17 Chile World Cup at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso Stadium in Coquimbo, Sunday (KST). (Yonhap)

By Brian Han

South Korea began the FIFA U-17 World Cup by upsetting tournament favorites Brazil in a 1-0 victory Sunday in Chile.

The two teams battled through a tie game until the 79th minute when midfielder Jang Jae-won gained possession of a expertly timed pass from Lee Sang-heon. A tired Brazil defense let the ball slip by four of their own players before Jang closed out the match.

The opening round victory has historical significance as well considering that this is the first time the South Korean U-17 team defeated Brazil. In the last six official meeting between the teams, Brazil had five wins and a draw.

Time of possession was lopsided between the two teams. Brazil held the ball for 63 percent of the match, but it seemed almost impossible for its offense to get anything started.

The victory puts South Korea at the top of their group following a 1-1 draw between England and Guinea.

“It was a difficult match against the Korean team that has done very well against us,” Brazil head coach Carlos Amadeu said according to FIFA.com. ” They defended strongly and prevented us from approaching their goals. We will now prepare for the match against England and work to win that one.”

South Korea will play Guinea next on Wednesday.