Brazil’s Under-20 national team continued preparations on Tuesday (10) for their friendlies against Peru at the Mangueirão in Belém. Tuesday (10) marked the first training session in which coach Paulo Victor had the full squad at his disposal. One of the team’s key players, defensive midfielder Zé Lucas spoke about adapting to the climate and the stadium, and revealed that, as the first match approaches, the players are starting to feel the benefits of home advantage: “This is our home, this is Brazil.”
A good performance starts with settling in well. Defensive midfielder Zé Lucas said Brazil’s Under-20 team are excited about Belém, “a new city unlocked” for most of the players.
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“We’re adapting to the city too, a new city for us as Brazil players. It’s a new city unlocked,” he said.
Zé Lucas during a ball drill at the Mangueirão as Brazil’s Under-20 team prepare for their friendlies against PeruCredits: Joilson Marconne / CBF
Known for its passion for football, the capital of Pará has the players excited about the prospect of fan support. The midfielder spoke about the squad’s anticipation of playing in front of the crowd, called on fans to come out and promised a committed performance to put on a good show.
“Our expectations couldn’t be higher, because this is our home, this is Brazil. So I believe the fans will turn out in numbers and support us, as they’ve always supported Brazil. Regardless of the age group, if it’s the Brazilian national team, the fans are there. So we’re really looking forward to that, and we hope we can repay all their support on the pitch with plenty of effort, fight and determination, wearing a shirt that carries so much history,” he said.
A South American Under-17 champion in 2025, Zé Lucas aims to repeat the achievement with the Under-20 team in 2027Credits: Joilson Marconne / CBF
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Zé Lucas speaks from experience when he mentions the unwavering support across all age groups. In 2025, he won the South American title with Brazil’s Under-17 team under coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci. Now working with Paulo Victor in Brazil’s yellow shirt, he hopes to repeat that success by winning the Under-20 competition.
“Last year, Patetuci gave me a lot of confidence. Coach Paulo Victor is also giving us a lot of confidence here, not just me, but the whole squad. The group feels relaxed and ready to do what he asks and deliver in the best way possible,” he said.
Tuesday’s session focused on refining the team’s playing style, with drills involving movement, passing, crossing and finishing. Training also included work on attacking and defensive organisation. Brazil face Peru on the 13th and 16th. Both matches kick off at 8 p.m.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
