Karuppiah Ramakrishnan from Doha
The FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals promise a gripping night at Aspire Zone on Monday, with continental giants Brazil and Portugal clashing in a battle loaded with history, talent and ambition.
Portugal are chasing their first-ever U-17 world crown, while Brazil look to move one step closer to matching Nigeria’s record of five titles. It is a heavyweight duel between European champions and South American champions—with no margin for error.
Portugal will rely heavily on their creative maestro Mateus Mide, who has lit up the tournament with four goals and two assists. Intelligent, sharp and deadly in tight spaces, Mide once again delivered in their 2-0 quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Brazil, meanwhile, boast the competition’s most feared striker: Dell. With five goals—including a dominant brace against Morocco—the powerful forward has been compared to Erling Haaland for his physique and ruthless finishing. His Golden Boot charge continues, but Brazil will be challenged by the absence of three suspended players: Vitor Hugo, Luis Eduardo and Arthur Ryan.
Coach Dudu Patetuci brings valuable experience from Brazil’s 2019 triumph, while Portugal’s coach Bino carries his own special connection—he was part of Portugal’s squad during their last semi-final appearance back in 1989.
Austria and Italy Hunt for Their First Final Appearance
Earlier in the evening, unbeaten Austria and Italy face off in a historic semi-final—both teams winning all six of their matches so far, a rare feat that has brought them to the edge of their first U-17 World Cup final.
Austria’s sensation Johannes Moser has been unstoppable with six goals, sitting joint-top of the scoring charts. Captain Jakub Pokorny praised him as “just incredible… like something I haven’t seen before.”
Austria’s belief is soaring after defeating England and surviving an intense quarter-final against Japan.
“It was the toughest match of our lives,” said Pokorny. “But we are together, and I feel nobody can stop us. We believe we can go all the way.”
Italy, composed and disciplined, continue to build around captain Luca Reggiani, who has produced three straight Player-of-the-Match performances from centre-back. Both teams, however, face suspensions—Austria without Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Italy missing David Marini.
Adding to Italy’s storylines is rising talent Samuele Inacio, the son of former Brazilian professional Pia, who once played for Napoli, Atalanta and Torino.
The winners on Monday will book their place in Thursday’s grand final at the Khalifa International Stadium, keeping alive dreams of glory in a tournament rich with drama, surprises and future stars.