Clarinha: It was a cold day so I opted for 'ice-cold' finish

In Bielsko-Biala – where the temperature was only 8°C – Brazil showed plenty of patience, physical strength and mental resilience to come back from behind against England on Friday at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™. And, very fittingly, an 'ice-cold' spot-kick started this comeback.

Lily Dent's goal in the 31st minute was cancelled out by Clarinha's sumptuous dink from the spot in the 76th – yet another special moment for the Brazilian at this tournament. Clarinha knew that Katie Cox always picks a side before diving, having analysed the English goalkeeper with Brazil's coaching staff before the game. She just needed to wait.

"Since it was already a cold day, I opted for an 'ice-cold' finish," joked the Brazilian youngster when speaking to FIFA. "I went for a dink to add that little extra coldness."

The midfielder then explained her side's renewed confidence as the clock was ticking and the winning goal just wouldn't come: "Our coach [Camilla Orlando] told us to remember our people, our families. I think that's very important for each and every one of us to carry on strong. We're a family. We're all united, we're all in this together," said Clarinha, whose godfather travelled almost 7,500 miles to see her play in Poland.

In the 95th minute, when it looked for all the world that the game was headed for a draw, Gisele made it 2-1 with a wonderful individual goal, guaranteeing top spot for Brazil in Group B. But no matter how good a goal it was, the No7's emotion clearly showed that its beauty lay more in its significance than the sublime technique involved.

"My goal came at the perfect time. If the girls hadn't shown faith in me when I came on, that wouldn't have happened," admitted the Brazilian forward. "We always say that if ever our tactics don't come out trumps, then our spirit and desire will prevail. And that is what Brazil means to us."

Brazil have been working on strengthening their collective mentality – from youth level all the way up to the senior team – for many years, long before Gisele and Co travelled to Poland, which has provided the perfect opportunity to put this mental strength to the test.

"We've debunked two myths," explained Brazil coach Camilla Orlando. "Firstly, we were involved in a very physical game against Canada, and we debunked the myth that Brazil aren't very strong, physically. We were also involved in a physical game today, but we came here with a specific game plan and mindset, to show our strength and, at the same time, to work on the strength we need to get to where we want to be."

This insight helps to explain one of Brazil's main priorities for its age groups. Maintaining that connection with the senior team – who will be playing in front of a home crowd at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ – does not necessarily mean reproducing a specific footballing philosophy, as is the case for many other nations, like Spain. It is about working with its various youth teams to build a squad that can deal with adversity.

"Our strength lies in being a whole and united team, with no exceptions. Our strength is the players who come off the bench, those who start [the game], those who need to recover... our strength is our group. This is very important, not only for the players but also the entire coaching staff," affirmed Orlando.

The Brazil boss got a bit emotional when talking to FIFA about this special relationship with her players. She said that although she misses playing, coaching has allowed her to carry on in the game and also achieve dreams that she never managed as a player.

"I do it [being a coach] for the players. I believe in their development. I must admit that I really miss playing football, and this is how I can keep playing with them, to show my faith [in them] and grow together," Orlando added, with tears in her eyes. "I'm very happy and thrilled to see this happening, because they represent us on the pitch."

But topping Group B is only a means to an end. While the senior team are busy preparing for next year's World Cup on home soil, Brazil's youngsters, who will face one of the third-placed teams from Groups A, C or D in the Round of 16, are looking to win their first-ever Women's U-20 World Cup.