Under 17 FIFA World Cup: Brenner's double strike helps Brazil beat New Zealand 2-1 in practice game

South American soccer giants Brazil, one of the top contenders for the Under-17 World Cup started their preparations for the upcoming tourney on a winning note after they defeated New Zealand 2-1 in a warm-up game at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. 

Samba Boys lived up to their reputation as one of the title favorites by producing some magical soccer to seal the game against their Opponents from Oceania. 

Chants of ‘Braaaziiil, Braaaaziiil’ reverberated across the Mumbai Football Arena located in the western suburbs of Mumbai as Brazil were locked in an intense battle with New Zealand in the first practice game ahead of the much-awaited FIFA U-17 World Cup next month.

Salcao striker Brenner found the back of the net twice in the second half to give Brazil an exciting victory, which is bound to give them a huge boost before the tournament begins. For New Zealand, Max Mata converted a penalty for the consolation goal.

Even as Brazilians were toying with their New Zealand counterparts, 15-year-old Jaden D’Sa, donning a No.10 Neymar jersey, was loving the sight of his favourite team play in the stadium that saw a decent turnout.

Jaden had bunked his Class X tuition classes to come and watch the boys in yellow and green jersey show their craft. “Brazil is my favourite team, and that is why I am here. I don’t mind bunking my classes,” says Jaden.

The youngster was accompanied by his father Christopher, a former hockey player. The duo, like many others who came to watch, enjoyed each and every move that the Brazilians produced. “Brazil is great to watch even if it’s a practice game. It’s a treat for the kids. Even the New Zealanders are good too,” says Christopher.