Nantwich Town hosted an international football match at the Weaver Stadium with Brazil against Russia, writes Jonathan White.
It’s part of a four team/six match U17s International Youth Tournament, featuring England, Brazil, Russia and USA during October.
Despite wind and rain from Storm Callum, 530 people braved the elements to watch an entertaining tie with Brazil beating Russia 2-1.
Brazil, wearing their iconic yellow, green and blue strip, scored both their goals in the first-half to win despite a late second-half goal from Russia who couldn’t force a draw.
Clinical finishing from Brazil was the difference between the sides in a match of skilful and attacking football with both teams being a credit to their respective nations.
The match was preceded by large Brazil and Russia flags displayed by Nantwich Town ballboys on the pitch, the playing of both national anthems and an exchange of pennants between the team captains.
Large flags were also displayed in The Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Vans Stand.
Nantwich Town FC’s internet radio channel – Dabbers Radio – broadcast live commentary of the game around the world.
The victorious Brazil squad stayed on the pitch after the match to sign autographs and to pose for selfies with fans.
England kicked off their tournament on the same evening with the Young Lions beating the USA 3-1 at the Swansway Chester Stadium in Chester.
As the top-ranked team, England have received a bye into the elite qualifying round of the 2019 Euros, with those matches taking place in March.
Nantwich Town will host a second match in the tournament on Sunday (October 14), Kick-off 5pm, adults £3, children £1 – payment at turnstile, with Brazil making a return visit to play the USA.
Nantwich Town FC’s Weaver Stadium is the only venue to host more than one match in the tournament.
Other remaining fixtures are: England v Russia (Kick-off 1pm, Sunday October 14 at Montgomery Waters Meadow Stadium, Shrewsbury Town; England v Brazil (Kick-off 7pm, Tuesday October 16, New Bucks Head Stadium, AFC Telford United); Russia v USA (Kick-off 7pm, Tuesday October 16, Wincham Park, Witton Albion).
(pics by Jonathan White)
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