Brazil vs Nigeria summary: score goal, scores, stats and updates, FIFA U-20 World Cup

Disciplined Brazil down unlucky Nigeria

Football can be a funny game. You can play well in attack, organize yourself in the midfield and be vigilant in defense, but in the end in a matter of moments and on the back of minute details, you can end up paying a heavy price.

That would be a fair way to describe what happened to Nigeria in a match against Brazil in which they were neither superior or inferior. Indeed, the Super Eagles were unlucky not to score what would have been a wonderful goal in the early stages of the match, after a spectacular volley from Jude Sunday hit the crossbar. To that end they actually out possessed and out shot Brazil for the majority of the first half, before the the Selecao scored two quick fire goals in the closing minutes of the half. A header from Pedroso, followed by a classy counter attack which was finished by Marquinos from close range.

Speaking of Brazil, we should definitely mention the fact that the boys in yellow and blue definitely showed their quality tonight. With solid performances from players like Savio, Biro and Marquinos, it was clear that they were always going to be a problem for the Africans. Interestingly, it was not due to the flicks and tricks normally associated with them, but rather an all-round efficiency and aggressiveness in everything they did. Whether in attack or in defense, Brazil demonstrated an urgency and discipline that was quite frankly the difference between the two teams.

With the result, Group D has now been blown wide open. Brazil will go to the next round with 6 points, Italy will go forward in 2nd on the same tally and Nigeria will have to settle for a best 3rd placed finish as they're goal difference is inferior to the Italians. Incredible to think they started the day sitting atop the group.

With that, we hope you enjoyed our coverage of this Group D final game and we wish you a good night!

Nigeria will have a corner after the free kick is cleared and with that the referee brings the affair to a close. Brazil take a 2-0 win and with it qualification for the round of 16.

We've now had the allotted amount of stoppage time as Nigeria prepare for what should be the last kick of the game.

Down the right side goes Emmanuel. He's been useful and it shows as he's fouled. Nigeria will have a free kick from the right side. At this point, any goal would only be a consolation.

We're meandering toward the final whistle at this point and Brazil are maintaining their 2-0 lead.

Mycael's goal kick is deep but immediately controlled by Nnadi who attempts to play through the channel again. Same result.

Nnadi is given the ball from his defense in midfield but his attempt at a throughball is cut short and Brazil move forward. This one is coming to an end now.

Nigeria finally get the ball in play and switch back to the left, they are going in search of a goal here, but a lofted ball into the box is easily cleared and Braziil break. Giovane is fouled in the middle for being the architect of it.

Brazil take the corner short but the following cross is too deep and Nigeria will have a throw from the opposite side.

The play has decreased in quality at this point, but Brazil are still maintaining their hold on proceedings.So said so done as Giovane has a decent look at goal forcing a save from Iniagboso. A corner for Brazil

Ibrahim is the player who went down and finally the referee has conceded that it was in fact a foul.

Nigeria manage to see it out of their own defense are trying to work down the left side. We've got what looks to be a trip as Nigeria were about to be in the box. Indeed the referee is taking a look.

It's Nigeria who have a man on the ground now and it's Nnadi, but he's up and running albeit with some discomfort. Meanwhile a whopping 11 minutes of stoppage time have been announced.

It's hard not to feel some degree of sympathy for the Africans having show quality in this one.

Mycael restarts with a goal kick as we enter the 90th minute, but we've got a man on the ground and it's Marlon Gomes. He's back up it seems and off we go.

Brazil with a double change just before the end. Andre is in for Biro while Marcos Leonardo departs for Douglas Mendes.

Sarki dances across the top of the box and finds Nnadi, whose shot is fierce but too high. They're still looking for one.

At present we've got 3 teams on 6 points in this group: Brazil 1st, Italy 2nd and Nigeria third due to goal difference when compared with Italy.

Nigeria make another change with Ibrahim Abdullahi replacing Samson Lawal

Nigeria with the free kick from the right side of the box and Sarki to take. It's a decent effort in fact which breaks a save out of Mycael. Nigeria will have a corner.

What looked to be a clever throughball from Sarki to Lawal is brought back after a foul from Renan.

After an attempted long ball to Gomes on the left, the ball runs out of play and Nigeria will have a goal kick.

Brazil are enjoying a spell of possession here without any risks.

Off we go again as Nigeria play from the back. Once more long to Sarki, but this time he's unable to control and Brazil play home to their keeper. We're inside the final 10 minutes.

Nigeria with another change as Jude Sunday - perhaps Nigeria's best player today - leaves for Kehinde Ibrahim

His change is received by Jude Sunday who has gone missing and it shows as he's quickly dispossesed.

Nigeria finally manage to nick the ball off of the South Americans and they will go long to Sarki who is proving to be a real handful.

Brazil start things off again and it seems they changed into conservation mode.

AFter being gifted the ball by Brazil's keeper, Lawal's touch is heavy and he chooses to foul Gomes with a stamp. He'll take a card for his troubles.

Brazil retain the ball by playing back to Mycael, who in turn gives it away directly.

Brazil will make a double change with Savio and Marquinos leaving the field for Kevin and Martins coming on respectively.

Sarki again. He's clever this one, but his crafty run into the box is halted when he opts to look for a penalty after running out of space. It will be a Brazil goal kick.

From the corner, there appears to be something suspicious. The Nigerians want a VAR look for handball in the area, but the ref isn't having it. They'll have to settle for a corner, which unfortunately is too close to Mycael and Brazil will play out from the back.

A lovely piece of play from Nigeria and it was Sarki with the effort which bangs off the cross bar. Mycael did get a finger to it and so it will be a corner.

Arthur pulling out the party piece with an attempted rainbow flick over Daga, but he halls him down in the process and is booked for it.

NJoku and Bameyi try to get something going on the right and almost do, but it's broken up by Arthur, who in turn is dispossessed. Nigeria will start from the back once again.

The corner is dealt with well and Nigeria break throuhg Joshua John who is promptly fouled by Pedroso.

Biro is found on the left and his cross is dangerous enough that it must be cleared for a corner.

Brazil on the right now and it's Giovane with his first touch, but his cross is blocked and Nigeria boot the ball all the way to Mycael. The Selecao will start again.

As expected Kaiki is heading off and it's Giovane who is coming on.

Kaiki is back on the field but in discomfort, while his teammates play home to Mycael.

Kaiki seems to be in some trouble following that challenge moments ago. Indeed, it seems he's calling for a substitution. For the moment Brazil are playing with 10, while Kaiki sits outside the lines.

Emmanuel is fouled for his troubles in the middle after shielding the ball well. Nigeria with the free kick. They seem to be getting themselves back in the game, but lose the ball as I say that. Emmanuel then takes his frustrations out on Marquinos with a heavy foul Unbelievable that he wasn't carded.

Following a decent spell of possession it's Nnadi who crosses long, but it's too close to Mycael in goal and Brazil will have it once again.

Sarki's corner is too long and Brazil will break but are quickly dispossessed. It's Jude Sunday - perhaps Nigeria's best hope - who brings it along the left, but his pass is cut, though Brazil are unable to maintain the ball.

Nigeria have got themselves a corner from the left. Sarki to take.

We've go half hour left in this one and for the moment it looks to be that Brazil have got themselves out of the hole they were in. Should things stay this way, they will be on their way to the next round.

Nnadi is trying to inject some degree of urgency into his teammates having recently stepped on the pitch, but his switch is too long and Brazil will have the throw.

After a crafty nutmeg from Marcos Leonardo, he slides the ball to Biro who sees his close range shot desperately saved by Aniagboso in Nigeria's goal. That could've been 3-0

Nigeria will make a triple change. Rilwanu Sarki is on for Samson Lawal,  Tochukwu Nnadi for Daniel Daga and John Joshua is on for Victor Ehuwa Eletu.

Savio is becoming the central protagonist in this affair and should have rewarded himself with a goal at the near post after dancing past two defenders. Brazil is all over Nigeria at this point.

After a long switch to the left, Marlon Gomes is played a decent ball at the top of the area and he tries to dance his way in, but he's halted and Nigeria breathe a sigh of relief.

Savio is set free on the right once more and as before he works combination with Arthur. The pair are causing problems on the right. They will have a throw in.

Marlon Gomes with the throw, finds nobody but Eletu and the Nigerian playmaker is promptly tackled. Brazil's ball once again.

Following Savio's mazy run, Brazil have a corner and it's taken quickly, but Nigeria clear. Brazil with the throw in from the right.

Nigeria have started this half in disarray it seems, or perhaps it's Brazil who have turned things up a notch. Either way, they are conceding possession way too easily now. Brazil work it to the right where Savio awaits.

Savio works a one two with Arthur, but the latter's cross is blocked and it actually deflects off of him for a goal kick.

LAwal with a heavy foul on Marquinos in the middle but he isn't booked. Brazil on the break once again.

To think Nigeria started this match atop Group D and now sit in third based on current results with Italy leading the Dominican Repbulic 1-0 at the moment.

The corner appears to be almost a carbon copy of the one that gave them their first goal, with Pedroso darting to the near post. This time, however, the end result isn't the same. Nigeria with the goal kick.

Following the goal kick, Brazil go right back to it and they win a corner from the right side. Marquinos to take.

Savio is just getting to his feet and Brazil will have a very inviting free kick opportunity from the right corner of the 18-yard box. Marcos Leonardo takes it, but it doesn't trouble Aniagboso.

A heavy challenge from Ogwuche on Savio just outside the area and he will receive his card for his troubles. Meanwhile, Savio remains on the ground and is in visible pain.

Brazil get us going once more and we're off and running in the 2nd.

We're ready to go once again

The players are back on the field once again and we're just about ready to go. Here comes the second half!

1st half takeaways

To be fair, despite the scoreline, this has been a very even game. Consider for a moment that possession has actually been 51% - 49% in Nigeria's favor, while shots on goal have been 3-2 in Brazil's. Indeed, the Africans will feel extremely frustrated with the result considering both goals were considered minutes before half time.

On the other hand, it is true that the Super Eagles have already qualified, while Brazil are playing for their very survival. Be sure to stay with us for the 2nd half, as there are likely to be many more opportunities and goals in this one. We can't imagine with the quality that they've shown, Nigeria doesn't have a goal or two in them. Stay tuned!

Brazil's 2nd was just as classy

Following a lovely counter attack, it was Savio who played a cheeky ball to Marquinos, who brought the fans to their feet with a powerful finish!

Brazil's 1st goal!

Want to learn how to execute set pieces? Take a look at this beauty from Brazil!

The referee brings the first half to a close and there's no doubt that Nigeria will be livid. In the space of 5 minutes or less, they went from a solid first half display, to 2-0 down.

A lovely break from Brazil and it's Savio on the right who plays it to Leonardo, after which the forward cuts it back to Savio again, but his shot is too high and it will be a goal kick to Nigeria.

We're in the last minute of regulation and we'll have 4 minutes of stoppage time. Meanwhile Nigeria have got themselves a throw on the left side.

Nigeria will feel well frustrated with that, having defended solidly until now. Brazil on the other hand now have their tails up.

Kaiki is played down the left by Biro, but his cross is disappointing and his face tells us that he knows it. That being said, Brazil have a corner. Marquinos is the man.

After Nigeria come forward there is a foul on the right and they'll have a free kick for it, but the delivery is poor and Mycael claims it. Brazil come forward once again.

The wall does it's job and Brazil break with Savio immediately sent in. He tries to dribble his way past two, but is halted and Nigeria survive. There are appeals for a penalty, but the referee is having none of it and on we go.

Lawal to take...

This could be dangerous.A handball in front of Brazil's area from Gomez=s and he's got a card for it too. Lawal looks to be the man preparing to take it as the referee speaks with the wall

We've got another thow in on the right, which will be switched to the left immediately. It's Kaiki with a searching ball to Marquinos, but it's too long and Nigeria will have the goal kick.

Ogwuche is on the ground after an awkward clash with Andre Santos in the midfield. He's back on his feet though and on we go. A Brazil throw in from the right side of the field.

It's been a bit of a mixed bag so far, with few chances between them and possession almost equal - Brazil has the slight edge.

Savio with a lovely run from the right side and manages to carve out enough space in the area to get off a shot, but it lacks power and Aniagboso is able to claim.

Again the throw goes begging and it will be a goal kick to Nigeria.

Aniagboso's goal kick is well taken by Eletu in the middle, but his pass is errant and Brazil recover and are off and running. A strong tackle fron Njuku breaks it up and Brazil will have the throw from the left.

Off the goal kick, Kaiki is set free on the left and his cross is very good. Indeed, it finds Leonardo who somehow manages to put it over the bar from point blank range. He's scratching his head, wondering how he did.

Apparently the slow build up doesn't work against Nigeria as they promptly rob the Brazilians and go on the counter. Lawal's forward pass is decent and it's Sunday who receives before shooting. Again his shot doesn't give Mycael any trouble.

We've hit the half hour mark and Brazil are taking things slowly playing out from the back, while their fans are in full song.

Some untidy player from Pedroso after decent pressure from Lawal and Nigeria have a corner. It's taken short and it's Sunday who has a shot from distance, but it's no trouble for Mycael in goal.

The corner goes begging in the end and Nigeria will have a goal kick.

On the counter it's Marlon Gomez who plays right to Biro, who in turn looks for Leonardo, but his touch is poor and Nigeria just manage to clear their area. Brazil will have a corner.

After Aniagboso's goal kick Sunday receives and he's off and running. A decent combination with Eletu, who changes to Daga on the right, but his cross is blocked and Brazil break.

The referee is talking to some of the players, but none the less, it appears to be Savio who takes it in the end. It's directly at Aniagboso in goal. We go again.

Marlon Gomez robs Daga of the ball and goes on a beautiful run through the middle, but Daga returns to foul him. He's already on a card, such that he'll need to tread carefully. Brazil free kick.

Some of the pace of the last few minutes has begun to seep out of the play, but on we go. Brazil on the right side now with Savio playing into Arthur, but in the end there is a mix up and they lose it to Nigeria.

Brazil are starting to bring out the party tricks, but it's clear Nigeria is not being fooled. After Arthur is robbed by Sunday, the former makes an immediate foul on his counterpart. He's lucky not to be carded. Nigeria free kick.

A lovely long ball to Biro on the left, but he's closely attended to by Njuku. Nigeria with the throw.

Savio is set free down the right from a decent pass by Marquinos, but his cross is too close to the keeper and the attack comes to an end.

In the end, the ball goes out uncontested and Nigeria have a goal kick.

With Santos on his feet, Brazil will now take their free kick from the left side. It's Savio with the delivery which is poor, but Nigeria's clearance is equally so and Brazil will have a throw from next to the corner flag.

Indeed, Daga is actually carded for the foul and he'll have to watch himself.

Sunday on the ball now on the left side, but he chooses to play home to Bayemi, who launches it long. Nigeria are doing well, but Arthur breaks it up and sends Biro off on a run, but there is a heavy foul on Andre Santos and he's stayed down.

There is a better rhythm to the game now from both sides, but Nigeria appear to be the side with better passing accuracy.

Brazil's second corner meets Marquinos, but his header is wide and Nigeria will have a goal kick.

It's taken and cleared out, we'll have another.

A lovely break from Brazil down the right, and the cross was decent as well. Sadly Leonardo just couldn't get his foot to it, but Brazil will have a corner.

Nigeria manage to gain possession and are now making their way along the left side with a series of throw ins.

Marquinos is sent down the left, but his left footed cross is closer to the stands than the field. He'll ahve to do better.

Brazil manage to defend it well, but they are robbed as they try to break and Nigeria go once again.

This time it's Lawal on the right side with an unreal piece of skill to beat two defenders at the by-line. His cross is just cleared by Brazil's defense. They will have a corner.

Saying that, a poor mistake from Bameyi and Brazil are in with the counter. Unfortunately, Savio's shot doesn't make the Africans pay.

Nigeria have definitely found their footing now, and appear to be the better of the two.

What a shot! After some decent play down the right side from Emmanuel, his cross into the box was volleyed by Sunday spectacularly. Flying off the cross bar, Mycael could only watch and hope. Brazil were lucky there.

Nigeria break down the left and the referee inadvertently blocks the ball. He will call it back for a dropped ball. Careful now.

We've got a player on the ground and it appears to be Leonardo, one of Brazil's key players. He seemed to have taken an awkward fall after jumping to head the ball. He's on his feet and seems ok now.

After a failed Brazilian attack the ball is launched to the left by Aniagboso in Nigeria's goal, but Emmanuel who receives is fouled immediately. Nigeria will have a free kick from the left side of midfield.

Again, both teams seem to not be totally settled just yet as they continually boot the ball back and forth.

Brazil are up in Nigerian territory now and Kaiki's long throw from the left is not dealt with initially by Nigeria's defense. He's known for those, so the Africans will need to keep an eye on that.

The teams are exchanging possession in these opening minutes, with both sides preferring to attempt long passes, but it's Brazil who try to get things settled on the ground. Daga is called for a foul in midfield after realizing the danger.

Our first foul of the game as Fago is halted by his marker. That could have been a problem for Brazil had he been allowed to get past, with truthfully no defense behind.

Off we go with Nigeria getting us started. They are in their white strip with black socks, while Brazil are in their iconic yellow jerseys with blue shorts and white socks.

The national anthems

With a ton of respect between both teams, it's fascinating to see the manner in which both teams and their fans take in the national anthem of the other. Hands on hearts as always and emotions at fever pitch. We can't wait for this one to start and it's now only moments away!

It's that time

The stadium is ready La Plata and the crowd is definitely itching for this one to get underway. We've had a sensational tournament so far, not the least of which was the host nation's thrilling performance last night against New Zealand.

Yet, tonight it's all about Brazil and Nigeria as they bring the curtain down on Group D. The Selecao actually lost their opener against Italy, but they did their goal difference a world of good with a thorough drubbing of the Dominican Republic in their last game.

Where the Super Eagles are concerned, they've been machine like so far, beating both the Italians and the Dominicans. Now, they face a team against which they don't have a good record, but if we go on current form, it's likely their opponents who are the under dogs in this one. Expect this tie to entertain.

It's almost game time!

With just about 10 minutes before kickoff, we're getting truly excited for this huge Group D game. Coming to you from Estadio La Plata in Argentina, this match promises to be a clash to remember, so stay with us!

The head-to-head

While it's clear that the past can have a direct effect on the present, if we consider the situation facing this current crop of players from both nations, it's clear they aren't the same as those who have gone before.

Truth be told, Brazil will be doing quite well if they can defeat Nigeria tonight. That being said, this is Brazil and they are essentially now playing for their lives in this World Cup. This one has got 'epic' written all over it.

The starting 11s for tonight

Here's how the teams will line up tonight. Brazil have clearly gone with an attacking minded formation, while Nigeria have stuck to the formation that has brought them to this point. Watch for Lawal's work rate in the middle of the field.

A strategic move...

With classification for the Round of 16 already achieved, it makes perfect sense that the Super Eagles have chosen not to risk losing one of their best players for knockout stage. While fans will surely be disappointed that he won't be playing, they'll surely understand what's at stake going forward.

Welcome Welcome Welcome!

In our excitement to get for the game, we didn't welcome you to our coverage of this intriguing tie between Brazil and Nigeria! So, Welcome!

Indeed, tonight's game must feel like uncharted territory for the Seleção. Indeed, as perhaps the most iconic national team in football, the Brazilians are not used to being in a situation such as the one they're in now. Having lost to Italy, they now have one win and one loss from two games. Nigeria on the other hand are Group D's leaders and assured of a spot in the round of 16 having dispatched both the Italians and the Dominican Republic.

What that means is that Brazil truly has no margin for error in this one. With Italy expected to put down the DR, they can't afford a loss against the Super Eagles if they are to advance. Expect fireworks in this one!

The state of affairs at the moment...

As is plain to see, there is no margin for error in this one. Should Brazil lose this match, it could well spell the end of their campaign.

A word from the coach

Nigeria know what they have to do and to be truthful, they've already shown that. If one thing is clear, it's that Brazil are going to have to work very hard for the win tonight if they want it, because the Super Eagles have come to make a mark.

Nigeria have a star of their own

Following his more than impressive performance against the Italians, Victor Eletu is now well and truly a player that has fans talking. Currently a member of AC Milan's academy, the holding midfielder demonstrated his intimate knowledge of the Azzuri's game with a disciplined performance in their solid win.

Now he will have to contest with a team that's known the world over for it's technical ability, but something tells us that won't be a problem for this boy. With Nigeria on the verge of completing a perfect run in group play, we imagine they won't be taking this game lying down regardless of the fact that they've already qualified. Expect Eletu to be a central part of their effort tonight.

One to watch for Brazil

With eight goals in 10 U-20 appearances for Brazil, Marcos Leonardo is easily one of the biggest stars at this year's tournament. To be clear, Leonardo has also scored 23 times at club level for Santos - his current team - which is to say that this kid knows his way around the goal.

As things stand, Chelsea are said to be making inquiries which means it's highly likely that we'll be seeing the young forward making the jump to European football soon enough. Yet, right here and now he's got other priorities, namely qualification for the round of 16. If Brazil are to get there, he'll need to be at his absolute best tonight.