The semifinal matches for the first edition of the Flamengo Adidas Cup have been set. After three intense days of high-level matches in the group stage of the largest international youth soccer competition ever held in Brazil, the three Brazilian representatives (Flamengo, Atlético-MG, and São Paulo) secured their spots, confirming the excellent momentum youth soccer is experiencing in the country. Santos Laguna of Mexico was the only foreign team to qualify.

Ninho Boys secure the top spot in the group

In Group 1, despite resting its entire starting lineup, Mengão, led by Eduardo Zuma, convincingly defeated Chile's Colo-Colo 3-0 (Luan Andrey, Menegatti, and Pedro Lemos). With the victory, the "Garotos do Ninho" reached seven points and finished the qualifying round at the top of the group. Second place went to Santos Laguna of Mexico, who thrashed England's Arsenal 4-0 (Stephano Carrillo [2], Tahiel Jimenez, and Edwin Alvarado). Also with seven points after three strong games, the Mexicans scored two fewer goals and had a one-goal deficit compared to leaders Flamengo.

Brazilians advance in Group 2

In the other group, Brazil dominated. The only team with a 100% record in the group stage, São Paulo defeated Independiente Del Valle (EQU) 3-1 (Henrique Carmo [2] and Ryan Santos scored for the Brazilians, and Kendry Paez scored the consolation goal for the Ecuadorians). With nine points, São Paulo secured first place in the group. Second place went to Atlético MG, who drew 0-0—the only clean sheet in the entire first stage—with Atlético Nacional (COL), who, despite failing to score a goal in three games, earned their first point in the competition.

See the game schedule for this Wednesday (7). The two semifinals will be broadcast live on FlaTV.

Semifinals:

9am - Flamengo x Atlético MG
10:45am - Sao Paulo X Santos Laguna (MEX)

ShowCase (5th to 8th place dispute):

9am – Arsenal (ING) x Independiente Del Valle (EQU)
10:45am – Colo-Colo (CHI) x Atlético Nacional (COL)