FIFA U-20 World Cup: Poland 1 - 0 Brazil

Wow.

The pre-tournament favourite (or at least co-favourite with Argentina) was deservedly humbled this afternoon by a composed Polish squad.

Before the frogs start dropping from the sky however, it should be noted that the Polish team had what I think was a fortunate combination of events. They had some quality early possession, mostly due to some fine work by Janczyk up front and Cywka down the left. These efforts led to a fantastic free kick from Krychowiak putting the Poles up 1-0 in the 23rd minute.

Minutes later, Krol was sent off for a second yellow card. After this, the Poles dropped further and further behind the ball, leaving little room for the Brazilians to move. By the final 15 minutes of the game, Brazil could come up with precious little in the final third of the pitch.

The Polish rearguard deserve all the credit for holding on to the lead. The Brazilians would work the ball around the penalty area at will, but anything going into the box was quickly snuffed out.

The CBC broadcast team seemed disappointed by Brazil, but they seemed to discount the efforts of the Poles. Brazil was near flawless at the back. The Poles had no success running at Brazil, with any attempts to blow past the back four easily snuffed out.

Had Krol not been sent off, the Poles would have likely been caught out at some point, as they almost were a couple of times in the last few minutes of the match.

Pato and Jo both produced flashes of quality, but the Poles left little room for them to move. Many of the Brazilian players seemed to pass when they had space to turn and shoot or shoot when there was little daylight to get a ball in on net.

I will agree with Steve Armitage and Paul Dolan, the CBC crew, that Brazil might regret leaving Marcelo on the bench. Once he came on, room down the left flank did open up and several half-chances appeared.

In upcoming games, be sure to keep an eye on Pato, Jo and Marcelo for Brazil. These guys will find a seam in either the U.S. or South Korea to exploit.

For the Poles, Janczyk is a gem. He runs very well with the ball and uses his body to devastating effect. Watch for him to sneak through a less competent back line than that of Brazil.