Match for third place
Brazil 1-1 Mexico (1-3 PSO)
Brazil goal: Kaylane (78)
Mexico goal: Evelin own goal (90+6)
A second-half stoppage-time equaliser and a superb performance from goalkeeper Valentina Murrieta in the ensuing penalty shootout earned Mexico a podium finish at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™.
Brazil enjoyed the better start and nearly found an opener through Evelin, whose sweeping left-footed effort smacked the post.
Mexico started to settle in, though, and frustrated the Brazil midfield with relentless pressure, however the chances were still lacking as South American shot-stopper Ana Morganti enjoyed a trouble-free first 45.
Brazil kept poking and prodding and finally breached the Mexico defence when Maria played a cutback pass into the path of Kaylane and she produced a strong finish into net.
But Mexico never gave up and a second-half stoppage-time free-kick swung in by Berenice Ibarra was headed into the net by the unfortunate Evelin for an agonising own goal.
The Mexico miracle meant matters had to be settled in a penalty shootout, and from the spot El Tricolor proved superior, with Murrieta making a pair of saves and Fernanda Monroy converting the winning kick.
With the shootout win, Mexico become the fifth country with at least two FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup medals. Only Japan, Korea DPR and Spain have more.
Quotes
“It’s hard to believe, after everything we’ve done in this campaign. As difficult as it is, we need to keep our heads up for everything we’ve built so far. I want to thank my team-mates, it’s a pleasure to play alongside every one of them, as well as the entire coaching staff. It’s not the result we wanted, but our will isn’t always God’s will. We all have a bright future ahead of us, and we’re going to hold our heads high.”
Kaylane, Brazil midfielder
“Having Mexico among the top three in the world is a source of pride, and even more so because of how the girls did it. They were fighting for third with their hearts and fortunately we were able to do it against a worthy opponent like Brazil. It was very complicated. Brazil is a very good team, with good individual players. There were some tactical adjustments we had to make because they are a very competitive team and well managed – more credit to the girls.”
Miguel Gamero, Mexico coach
“I’m very happy, very happy and grateful to my teammates and the coaching staff, because thanks to them we made it and we are among the three best in the world. It was clearly one of our most difficult games, especially since we were fighting and it was all or nothing, so thanks to God for that medal.”
Valentina Murrieta, Mexico goalkeeper
