Last time we popped in for a look at the Sao Paulo Youth Cup we focused on the bad (funny) side of the Copa Sao Paulo, as we watched a Corinthians defender score one of the weirdest own goals of the past few years. Well, this time we are back showing the good side of Brazil’s premier youth competition.
With a single play, Fluminense’s 18-year-old midfielder Pedrinho went from unknown prospect to having fans bothering manager Abel Braga to call the youngster up to the senior squad.
It happened in the first knockout round of the competition, where Fluminense faced off against Figueirense. Both teams were set for a hard-fought game, but what none of them expected was that one player who started the competition as a reserve would prove to be the difference maker.
In only his second start of the tournament, Pedrinho hit the ground running. It took him 11 minutes to place a corner kick perfectly for Eduardo to make it 1-0 Fluminense.
Five minutes later the magic happened:
Tirou muita onda! Pedrinho, do Fluminense, deu chapéu e passe de letra https://t.co/3BH9E7IOJW pic.twitter.com/njPtXMGd3Y
— globoesportecom (@globoesportecom) January 11, 2017
A steal, a chip over a defender, and a cheeky pass that would earn plaudits from Ronaldinho himself. Unfortunately, Figueirense’s goalkeeper preferred to give away a penalty than let Paulinho finish what would’ve been a legendary goal.
Paulinho capitalized from the penalty spot and went on to lead Fluminense the rest of the way towards a 4-2 victory. However, what will stay imprinted in the fans’ minds will be Pedrinho’s play, as the midfielder described it after the game:
“It was a really fast play. I thought about chipping over the defender and finding Paulinho. I have only done plays this pretty in pick-up games. On a televised game it was the first time.
“When I realized what happened I thought: ‘What have I done!?’ (laughs). Then everyone came to hug me. If Paulinho had scored at first, it would’ve been prettier, but it worked out in the end. I managed to help with two assists, and I am very happy with my performance. Now we are heading at full-steam to the next round."
With his birthday right around the corner (Pedrinho turns 19 on January 20), the midfielder didn’t miss the chance to tell Fluminense’s senior team manager that he is available to play in the big leagues if the coach is willing to bet on him.
“My expectation now is to win the Copinha (Copa Sao Paulo). After that, if God so wishes, I’ll be available if Abel needs me.”
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