U-20 World Cup Final 2015: Brazil vs. Serbia Score and Twitter Reaction

Serbia were crowned the Under-20 champions of the world after seeing off Brazil 2-1 with a last-gasp extra-time winner in the World Cup final in Auckland, New Zealand—as Fox Sports News revealed:

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SERBIA STRIKE LATE: Serbia score in 118th minute of ET to claim 2-1 win over Brazil in under-20 #WorldCup final pic.twitter.com/mw9R17cLbi

— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) June 20, 2015"

Nemanja Maksimovic was the man of the moment for the Serbians, popping up in the 118th minute to hand his nation their first-ever U-20 World Cup triumph. The Guardian’s Igor Mladenovic reflected on just how big an achievement it was for the Europeans:

Indeed, Serbia’s squad is made up predominantly from players in the domestic league, while match-winner Maksimovic plies his trade for lowly Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Astana.

Either way, the unity shown by the Serbs was something to behold—they were resilient in defence when they needed to be and tactically perfect going forward.

Credit duly went to coach Veljko Paunovic at the final whistle for the way he set up his side, with Bleacher Report’s Sasa Ibrulj one of many singing the boss’ praises:

It was a very cagey affair early on at the QBE Stadium, though, with both sides failing to carve out any real clear-cut chances—although Serbia could so easily have taken the lead before the interval.

Sergej Milinkovic was gifted a free header at goal after a well-worked corner, but Brazilian goalkeeper Jean got down well to keep the honours even.

That was as close as the Serbians came before they eventually made the breakthrough via Stanisa Mandic on 70 minutes after great work from the hero of the hour, Maksimovic.

David Rowland/Associated Press

Maksimovic played in a delightful ball from the right-hand side to the unmarked Mandic four yards out, and he simply couldn’t miss as the Serbians went 1-0 up with just 20 minutes left on the clock.

That goal saw Brazil concede for the first time in all of 570 minutes, as Serbian Football ecstatically revealed:

However, Serbian joy was extremely short-lived, as Manchester United starlet Andreas Pereira pounced just three minutes later to put Brazil back on level terms.

Many eyebrows were raised when Pereira was named as a substitute for Saturday’s final, and he showed exactly why with a stunning individual effort.

The United man weaved his way through the Serbian defence with incredible poise and balance before slamming the ball past Predrag Rajkovic—as Coral revealed:

Tired legs were starting to set in as the game ticked toward extra-time, and although both sides had chances to win the trophy, this epic final finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Brazil’s tactics were clear as extra-time got underway—attack, attack, attack.

Speedy winger Malcom proved a handful for the Serbia defence after coming on as a substitute, twice making Rajkovic pull off good saves.

Pereira and Juan Carlos also went close for the favourites.

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

However, it was Maksimovic who carved his name into the history books with just two minutes separating the tie from penalties, as he broke through the Brazilian defence from midfield before poking the ball home.

It was nothing short of what Serbia deserved, either, as their togetherness throughout the tournament has been something to behold.

They had to endure several gruelling doses of extra-time with an "also-ran" squad on paper, but the performances were simply stunning.

Serbian Football and radio host Miles Davis gave Paunovic’s men deserved praise as they lifted the trophy:

The players will now enjoy their celebrations over the upcoming days—or likely weeks—with the future looking bright for Serbian football.

While many of the squad aren’t playing at the top of the European game, the likes of Maksimovic and Rajkovic have advertised themselves in the best light possible. Have we just witnessed the unearthing of football’s next big guns?