Brazil’s campaign in the South American U-20 Championship started in disaster, enduring their heaviest-ever defeat across all categories—a crushing 6-0 loss to Argentina. However, the young Seleção rebounded impressively, improving match by match and ultimately lifting the tournament trophy on Sunday.

Under coach Ramón Menezes, Brazil successfully defended their title from Colombia 2023, securing victory in Venezuela 2025 with a dominant 3-0 win over Chile in the final. This triumph marked their 13th championship, reinforcing their status as the competition’s most successful team, ahead of Uruguay, which holds eight titles.

At the José Antonio Anzoátegui Stadium in Puerto La Cruz, goals from Deivid Washington (73’), Pedrinho (86’), and Ricardo Mathias (88’) sealed Brazil’s victory. Meanwhile, Argentina’s hopes of claiming the title required a four-goal win over Paraguay, but they suffered a 3-2 defeat instead.

The final proved challenging until Deivid Washington broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside and finishing emphatically past Chile’s goalkeeper Ignacio Sáez. The young forward, set to join Santos on loan from Chelsea, made a decisive impact.

Goalkeeper Felipe Longo played a vital role, producing crucial first-half saves to deny Chilean striker Juan Francisco Rossel. Brazil’s momentum grew in the second half, with Rayan testing the opposition keeper early and substitutes like Mathias and Alisson Santana adding attacking firepower.

Chile’s Iván Román received a red card in the 78th minute, while Brazil’s Robert Alves was sent off in stoppage time.

The tournament secured four spots for the U-20 World Cup in Chile, with Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay qualifying. Chile had an automatic berth as the host nation.

Colombia’s Neiser Villarreal emerged as the top scorer with eight goals, further establishing his rising reputation.

BDST: 1138 HRS, FEB 17, 2025
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