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18.09.2005
Gambia surprise favourites Brazil
By Tim Vickery
BBC Sport, Peru
On a historic night for Gambian football the Baby Scorpions came from behind to beat reigning world champions and favourites Brazil 3-1 at the World Under-17 Championship.
There were times during the second half when the crowd in Piura were applauding Gambia`s every pass with an `Olé.`
For a while the match seemed to be following the script.
Brazil went into the lead after 23 minutes with a wonderful overhead kick from Igor, but then they eased off, anticipating a comfortable victory, and Gambia made them pay.
A combination of hard work, talent and a slice of luck had Gambia in front before half time.
The hard work came in their tight marking, blocking Brazil`s favoured passes out to the full backs and closing down on the man in possession.
This was how they drew level after 27 minutes, the move rounded off by a clever finish at the near post by Abdoulie Mansally.
The talent came from Momodou Ceesay, whose strong runs down the right channel were a constant headache for the Brazil defence.
And the slice of luck came when Ceesay`s 45th minute shot deflected off centre back Sidnei and went through the legs of keeper Felipe.
Brazil came out after the break determined to get back in the game but left-back Marcelo was sent off for a foul on George Cole.
With the extra man Gambia went further ahead with 15 minutes remaining.
A powerful run from Ousman Jallow ended when he was fouled in the area.
Jallow got up to take the penalty - and had to hold his nerve. His first kick, to the keeper`s right, was acrobatically saved.
But the referee ruled that Felipe had moved before the ball was kicked and ordered a retake.
This time Jallow struck high to Felipe`s left, and sealed the points for Gambia.
There was still time for a flurry of red cards as tempers frayed. Gambia lost Ebrima Sohna after a wild tackle.
Brazil substitute Celso went for elbowing Saja Leigh. And no sooner had Leigh recovered than he was also ordered off for a bad foul.
But they will surely be content with the 3-1 win, and another victory against Qatar next Tuesday will take them very close to the quarter finals.
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