Five-time champions Brazil trounced Senegal 5-0 today to set up a FIFA Under-20 World Cup final against Serbia, who edged past Mali 2-1 with a late winner.
Brazil outclassed Mali to reach the decider of the tournament in Auckland on Saturday, giving them the chance to equal arch-rival Argentina's record of six youth trophies.
Serbia have not reached the final since 1987, when they played under the name Yugoslavia, and had to battle past Mali team in a fast-paced match.
It was an emphatic return to form for Brazil, whose coach Rogerio Micale admitted they were lucky to stay in the tournament after advancing on penalties following 0-0 draws in their previous two matches.
Micale said the performance against a well-drilled Senegal was a huge confidence boost for his players going into the final.
"Our team has reinvented themselves in this match," he said. "Both our defence and offence have been amazing."
The Samba Kings turned on the style with four first-half goals, then cruised home against a 10-man Senegal with Marcos Guilherme scoring his second of the match 12 minutes from time.
While delighted to rediscover their attacking prowess, Brazil have also not conceded a goal in four matches and will go into Saturday's final as heavy favourites to take the title.
They took just four minutes to impose themselves against Senegal, when defender Andelinou Correa scored an unlucky own goal trying to flick Joao Pedro's cross clear with his heel.
Brazil doubled their advantage three minutes later when Gabriel Jesus made a run from the half-way line then fed the ball through for Guilherme's point-blank shot.
