We lost against Brazil in the Fifa world youth championship after a great match and a great perfomance by our red eagles we hit the post once and they scored against us from a penalty kick (false one)

FIFA World Youth Championship
Penalty enough for Brazil against Syria (1:0)  
(FIFA.com) 21 Jun 2005

Syria's fantastic run at the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 came to an end in the round of 16 in Tilburg as a single goal from the spot was just about enough to put Brazil into the quarter-finals.

The Syrians were far from out of their depth against Brazil and though they were clearly not as technically gifted as their South American opponents, their heart and determination might have brought them greater reward on another night.

Brazil coach Rene Weber said: "We had a good amount of chances, but we need to work on our scoring touch. Germany will be a tough opponent in the quarter-finals and we saw them against Argentina and also against China, but for now I just want to enjoy this victory."

Syria made a confident, bright start and had the first shot on target with Salah Shakrour getting a quick volley goalbound after being released by Meaataz Kailouni but it was straight at goalkeeper Renan.

Brazil struggled to find their rhythm early on, though they threatened to take the lead when Bobo only just failed to stretch an d get a toe on the end of Ernane's inviting cross.

Syria promised to attack whenever they got the opportunity and, true to their word, Jalal al Abdi made a good surging run into the box, but then waited too long and Rafael came across to cut off his route to goal.

There was no such hesitation moments later when Brazil carved through Syria with some quick give-and-go passes which freed Fabio Santos 20 yards out, but Adnan al Hafez dived to the right and clutched the ball to his chest.

Syrian defender Hasan al Mostafa then bravely blocked a thundering drive by full-back Rafael who charged in on goal like a 100m sprinter and al Hafez tipped away a curler by Roberto - Brazil were beginning to assert themselves by now.

A well-worked free-kick straight from the training ground almost unlocked Syria, but after Santos drove Ernane's lay off goal-bound, Edcarlos could not get enough power onto his back-flick and al Hafez safely gathered.

Rafael runs to the Brazil bench to celebrate his winning penalty against Syria. (ACTION IMAGES) Lee MillsRafael makes Syria pay penalty
Brazil's pressure paid off just before half-time when Rafael burst into the box at greet speed again only for Hamzeh al Haitoni to clumsily bring him down and Rafael stroked in the penalty (1:0, 43').

The second half was not the greatest of Netherlands 2005 as both sides struggled to lift the tempo, though Brazil were predictably the dominant force.

One fluid move saw Santos charge through on the left flank thanks to a delightful back-heel by Bobo, but the shot was straight at the legs of al Hafez.

As the game wore on, Brazil's reluctance to settle for victory by a solitary penalty grew apparent and the lively Ernane was unlucky that one of three team-mates could not make a connection with his dangerous centre across the face of goal.

Syria refused to give in without a fight and Mohammad al Hamwi almost created an opening out of nothing, twisting and turning to shake off his markers, then getting a decent shot in, but Brazil blocked his path to goal.

Undaunted, al Hamwi came at Brazil and went even closer, cracking a drive in from 30 yards only to see it crash back off the crossbar.

Despite an attempt by Fellype Gabriel to break the world record for the number of step-overs, there was little else to cheer the lively crowd in the closing stages and though Syria finished stronger, they could not find the equaliser.

Syria lost 6-0 the last time they came up against the South Americans at under 20 level and their coach Milosav Radenovic said: "We played for the full 90 minutes without too much respect for Brazil. After this match, I am sure we will do better against Brazil at another championship."