USSR 1985: Brazil in a class of their own
Champions:
Brazil
became the first nation to win two consecutive FIFA World Youth Championships
when they triumphed at USSR '85. Once again, the artistry and tactical
superiority of the Auriverde wooed the public and exasperated opposition
defences. The Sele?ao qualified for the knockout stage with consummate
ease, emerging from a tough looking group including Spain, Ireland Republic
and Saudi Arabia, before really turning on the style against the hapless
Colombians in the quarters (6-0). Much-fancied Nigeria were next to come
under the cosh (2-0), before Spain went down fighting in the Final (1-0).
Collectively brilliant, the Brazilians who caught the eye were defender
Joao Antonio, defensive midfielder Tosin, playmaker Silas and strikers
Muller and Gerson.
Surprises:
Tactical know-how and mental resolve helped make Nigeria the first
ever African side to reach the semi-final stage in this tournament. Paul
Hamilton's men adapted their 4-3-3 formation to each game, including a
gritty fight-back from two goals down against Australia to win 3-2. The
Flying Eagles' boldest performance came against Mexico, when, full of running,
they edged out the much fancied Tricolores by the slimmest of margins (2-1).
Player of the Tournament:
Sele?ao linchpin Paulo Silas was voted the tournament's most valuable
player for his role as passer and linkman between the lines of attack.
Silas was a class act, and his impressive performances in the USSR proved
to be the launchpad for a distinguished career that saw him play in two
FIFA World Cups (1986 and 1990) and ply his trade with Brazilian side Sao
Paulo, Sporting Lisbon of Portugal, Italian outfit Sampdoria and Argentina's
San Lorenzo. His trophy cabinet is packed with domestic trinkets, and his
international honours include a Copa America triumph in 1989 with the Sele?ao.
Rising Stars:
Muller (BRA), Paulo Silas (BRA), Claudio Taffarel (BRA), Krassimir
Balakov (BUL), Emil Kostadinov (BUL), Ren? Higuita (COL), Juan Goicoechea
(ESP), Rafa Paz (ESP), Alberto Garcia Aspe (MEX), ¡¦
USSR 1985 stats:
Final standings:
1- Brazil
2- Spain
3- Nigeria
4- USSR
Goals scored:
80 (av.: 2.50)
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Played
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Total Goals
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Penalty Goals
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Best attack:
Brazil, 14 goals
Top goalscorers:
Sebastian Losada (ESP), 3 goals
Fernando Gomez (ESP), 3 goals
Monday Odiaka (NGA), 3 goals
Host cities:
Bakou, Erevan, Leningrad, Minsk, Moscou, Oktemberyan, Tbilissi, Sumgait
Spectators:
657,800 (final: 41,000)
Average attendance:
20,556
Interesting stat:
The 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship top goalscorers only hit the
net 3 times, a record low. This "record" was equalled in 1993 by Colombian
Henry Zambrano.
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