Serbia stun Brazil in final of Fifa Under-20 World Cup
Underdogs win 2-1 in extra time in finale to soccer tournament held in New Zealand
Serbia upset heavily favoured Brazil to win the final of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, clinching a 2-1 extra-time victory in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday.
The scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation play but the creative Nemanja Maksimovic put away the winner with two minutes remaining in extra time.
I am hoping that what we have achieved might be the beginning of a new era for Serbia, of living a life of good values and unity
Serbia were in the tournament for the first time as an independent nation, although their Yugoslavian predecessors won in 1987.
The result left the Brazilians in despair, with dreams of atoning for an embarrassing 2014 - when they suffered a record 7-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals - left in tatters.
Brazil struck back almost immediately with a brilliant solo effort by substitute Andreas Pereira.
Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic hoped his team's victory would help inspire "compassion and unity" in a country still troubled by its war-torn past.
"As a team we wanted to send a message at this tournament, a message of unity and kindness," he said. "I am hoping that what we have achieved here might be the beginning of a new era for Serbia, of living a life of good values and unity."
Agence France-Presse, Associated Press
