Brazil beat Mexico for U-17 World Cup title amid VAR controversy

MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP via Getty Images

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A second-half injury time goal from Lazaro gave Brazil a 2-1 comeback victory over Mexico in the Under-17 World Cup final on Sunday in Brasilia.

Mexico had taken the lead through a Bryan Gonzalez header in the 66th minute and looked like it would hold on until Kaio Jorge converted a penalty in the 84th, with Lazaro the hero for Brazil with his late finish.

It was Brazil's fourth Under-17 World Cup victory, while Mexico was in its third final in the last eight years in the age group.

Brazil was backed by fervent home support, hit the crossbar twice and had a number of good opportunities to score -- outscoring Mexico 10-2 in shots on goal -- but Mexico grafted, held on and managed to keep the score at zero.

Eugenio Pizzuto swung in a deep left-wing cross from Gonzalez to give Mexico the lead and quieten the crowd, but Brazil came from two goals down to beat France in the semifinal and once again mounted a comeback.

The late challenge from Jesus Gomez on Gabriel Veron to give Brazil its penalty was the game's major talking point, with referee Andris Treimanis initially not seeing it and then checking it on VAR and awarding Brazil the penalty.

Mexico coach Jose Maria "Chema" Ruiz lamented the decision after the game, indicating the officials were selective in their use of VAR and claiming El Tri was "always the victim' during the final.

Kaio Jorge made no mistake from the penalty spot, although Mexico keeper Eduardo Garcia got close to pushing the ball out.

The goal gave Brazil the momentum to go for the winner, which Lazaro struck first time from a right-wing cross from Yan Couto to send Estadio Bezerrao wild.

Earlier in the day, Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga scored a hat trick to help France come from behind to beat the Netherlands 3-1 and take third place.

Dutchman Sontje Hansen won the Golden Boot for the top goalscorer with six goals.