New Zealand 2015: Brazil seeks sixth title against Serbia

Brazil will be in the hunt for their sixth record FIFA U-20 title win against less-fancied Serbian side in Auckland Stadium in New Zealand.

Both sides will be aiming at outwitting each other in 90 minutes or 120 minutes of the game, which kicks off at 6am Nigerian time on Saturday.

However, while the pitting of South America against Europe may be a familiar scenario, there is no doubting which of these two nations is more accustomed to this stage.

Brazil, after all, are playing in this final for a ninth time and will start as favourites to claim a record-equalling sixth U-20 World Cup title.

Serbia, on the other hand, are participating in the tournament – never mind the final – for the first time as an independent nation, though their Yugoslavian predecessors did secure a famous win in 1987.

They are at this stage very much on merit though and look sure to provide the Brazilians with the toughest of tests.

The Europeans will undoubtedly start as underdogs and their cause has not been helped by the physical exertions of extra time in each of their three knockout matches.

But beyond the togetherness and never-say-die spirit that has underpinned their success, the Serbians also have talented individuals within a well-balanced side.

Goalkeeper and captain Predrag Rajkovic has been one of the tournament’s best, while Andrija Zivkovic, Nemanja Maksimovic and Sergej Milinkovic provide class and creativity going forward.

And if all else fails, they have a well-established super sub to call upon in the shape of semi-final hero, Ivan Saponjic.

Looking at Brazil, though, it is clear why Coach Paunovic believes Serbia will need to play “our best game ever”.

The difficulties that dogged the South Americans’ qualifiers and pre-tournament friendlies seem to be consigned to the past under their new and attack-minded coach.

Rogerio Micale has been intent on reviving his nation’s reputation for adventurous, flair-filled football, and his players have responded, with the 5-0 demolition of Senegal an awesome example of their potential.

With the goalscoring burden shared across the team, and danger threatened from almost every position – from rampaging full-backs to unselfish central midfielders – this Seleção side will take some stopping.

The Brazilian No10s have always been worth watching at this tournament, with Ronaldinho and Kaka just a couple of the star graduates, and Gabriel Jesus is maintaining that tradition.

Capable of being both graceful and dynamic, the Palmeiras youngster’s subtle touches, clever flicks and incisive bursts of acceleration can make leave defences floundering – as Senegal found to their cost.

If they are to lift the trophy, Serbia will need to find a way of subduing this skilful Seleção starlet.

Just before the final match, West African neighbours Senegal and Mali will face off in Auckland to take third place on the podium.

On the collective front, the two sides have more than held their own against the competition’s most feared sides, with the Senegalese knocking out a Ukraine side boasting the tournament’s top scorer in Viktor Kovalenko, while Mali saw off Germany, the most prolific attacking side at New Zealand 2015.

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