Lucas Andrade, assistant coach of the U-20 National TeamCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF
The 4‑1 victory over Denmark left a positive mark on Brazil’s Under‑20 coaching staff. Assistant coach Lucas Andrade stressed that, beyond the result, the team’s collective performance in the opening friendly in Spain was the standout factor. He praised the players’ commitment as one of the main positives of Brazil’s display.
Lucas Andrade during the friendly against DenmarkCredits: Nelson Terme /CBF
Lucas Andrade explained that the staff, led by head coach Paulo Victor, has studied the United States’ recent matches. He expects a challenging opponent, particularly in build‑up play and transitions. “It’s a team that will challenge us at times in the first phase of buildup, while also having a strong transition game. So we need to stay alert and manage to impose our game once again,” he said.
According to Lucas, the work focuses on reinforcing Brazil’s intentions on the field. The positives from the Denmark match were reviewed, and adjustments were worked on in training and supplemented with video analysis. “We try to show them what was done well and what can be corrected between one match and the next. What we can train on the field, we do; what we can’t, we do with video,” he said.
The staff’s assessment highlighted a balance between attacking aggression and solid ball control against Denmark. Lucas hopes this equilibrium will be maintained against the United States. “We were very happy with the way the team behaved offensively. It was a vertical team that, at the same time, took very good care of the ball, especially in the second half, when we had a great deal of control of possession,” he said.
Andrade also stressed the importance of preserving the team’s attacking identity. “We hope that in this next match we can maintain a great balance between attack and defense, which is a foundation of our staff and our work, and that we don’t lose that drive to go for goal, to always do more. That’s something Brazilian players have to have, and this group has shown it very strongly.”
The series of friendlies in Spain is part of a broader development process for the Under‑20 side. Lucas explained that the staff intends to use different opponent styles to expand the team’s repertoire and evaluate players ahead of upcoming challenges. “We understand that this repertoire gives us the foundation to make good choices. This project is obviously aimed at the 2027 South American Championship, but we never set aside the dream of pursuing the World Cup,” he said.
The assistant coach thanked the support from directors and management, who have provided all necessary conditions for preparation. “We have had tremendous support and backing from our directors and management, who have provided every condition for us to prepare well,” he said.
The match against the United States will take place this Thursday (1st) at 6 p.m. local time (1 p.m. Brasília time) at Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar. It will be Brazil’s second fixture in Spain before the final friendly against Mexico.
