1985 FIFA U-20 World Cup: Brazil Crowned Back-to-Back Champions

 

The 1985 FIFA U-20 World Cup confirmed Brazil’s dominance at youth level, as the Seleção became the first nation to defend their title successfully.

Just as their senior side had long shone on the global stage, Brazil U20 team proved equally dazzling. Held in the Soviet Union, the tournament saw Canarinha repeat their 1983 triumph and set a benchmark later matched by two other nations. Though only three members of the 1985 squad would go on to win the senior World Cup nine years later, the tournament introduced the world to future greats—most notably goalkeeper Cláudio Taffarel.

Facts and Figures about 1985 Edition

 Like previous editions, the 1985 World Youth Championship carried its own unique details:

* Staged from 24 August to 7 September 1985, with 16 teams split into four groups.

* Matches were played across eight Soviet cities: Baku, Yerevan, Moscow, Leningrad (now St Petersburg), Hoktemberyan, Sumqayit, Minsk and Tbilisi. Both Minsk and Tbilisi provided two stadiums each.

* It was the last global football tournament hosted by the Soviet Union before its dissolution in 1990.

* UEFA sent six representatives: hosts Soviet Union, winners Hungary, semi-finalists Republic of Ireland, plus England, Bulgaria and Spain as the best group runners-up. In theory, Poland or Scotland should have qualified ahead of Spain. But Poland missed FIFA’s registration deadline, while Scotland’s withdrawal went unexplained—allowing the Spaniards to take their place.

Nigeria’s Breakthrough

 While Brazil lifted the trophy, one of the tournament’s most significant stories belonged to Nigeria. The Flying Eagles became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a U-20 World Cup, a landmark moment for the continent.

Led by Samson Siasia, Nigeria stunned the hosts in the third-place play-off, defeating the Soviet Union 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw. It was a remarkable turnaround, given that the Soviets had beaten them 2-1 in the group stage. Along the way, Nigeria edged Mexico 2-1 in the quarter-finals before bowing out to Brazil 2-0 in the last four.

Brazil were dominant from the outset. Drawn in the same group as Spain—the team they would later beat in the final—the Seleção advanced confidently, showcasing both flair and ruthlessness.

Their knockout campaign was emphatic: a 6-0 demolition of Colombia in the quarter-finals was followed by the measured win over Nigeria. In the final, a solitary strike from Henrique was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Spain, ensuring Brazil became the first team to retain the U-20 crown.

Tournament Highlights

 Group Stage final standings (The one in bold advanced to the knockout stage)

Grup A	Grup B	Grup C	Grup D
Bulgaria	Brasil	USSR	Mexico
Colombia	Spain	Nigeria	China
Hungary	Saudi Arabia	Australia	Paraguay
Tunisia	Ireland	Canada	England

** = penalties

* = extra time

 Quarterfinal:

-          Bulgaria vs Spain 1-2

-          Brasil vs Colombia 6-0

-          USSR vs China 1-0

-          Mexico vs Nigeria 1-2

 Semifinal:

-          Spain vs USSR 2-2 (4-3)**

-          Brasil vs Nigeria 2-0

Third place Playoff: USSR vs Nigeria 0-0 (1-3)**

Final: Brasil vs Spain 1-0

Top scorer: Sebastian Losada (Spain) – 3 gol

MVP: Paulo Silas (Brasil)

 

From Youth to Stardom

The 1985 U-20 World Cup did not produce a vast number of household names, but those who did emerge became genuine cornerstones of their senior national teams for years to come.

Foremost among them were members of Bulgaria’s golden generation: playmaker Krasimir Balakov, forward Emil Kostadinov, midfielder Zlatko Yankov and striker Lyuboslav Penev, all of whom helped propel their country to prominence in the 1990s.

Elsewhere, Alberto García Aspe became a key figure for Mexico, while Brazil’s Cláudio Taffarel went on to lift the World Cup in 1994. Colombia’s flamboyant goalkeeper René Higuita, famed for his eccentric style and audacious “scorpion kick”, also made his mark.

Several others would leave an even greater legacy from the dugout rather than the pitch. Australia’s Ange Postecoglou, now in charge at Celtic, began his international career at this tournament. Julen Lopetegui, who went on to coach Spain, Sevilla and Real Madrid, and is now manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, was also among the class of 1985.

These players and coaches ensured that, while the 1985 edition may not have brimmed with future stars, its alumni left a lasting imprint on world football.

Players	World Cup editions (senior)
Emil Kostadinov (Bulgaria)	1994, 1998
Krasimir Balakov (Bulgaria)	1994, 1998
Petar Mihtarski (Bulgaria)	1994
Lubos Penev (Bulgaria)	1994, 1998
Zlatko Yankov (Bulgaria)	1994, 1998
Rene Higuita (Colombia)	1990
Wilmer Cabrera (Colombia)	1998
Kalman Kovacs (Hungary)	1986
Chokri El Ouaer (Tunisia)	1998
Alberto Garcia Aspe (Mexico)	1994, 1998, 2002
Francisco Cruz (Mexico)	1986
Ignacio Ambriz (Mexico)	1994
Virginio Caceres (Paraguay)	1986
Claudio Taffarel (Brasil)	1990, 1994, 1998
Silas (Brasil)	1986, 1990
Fahad Al Bishi (Saudi)	1994
Muller (Brasil)	1986, 1990, 1994
Rafael Paz (Spain)	1990
Andoni Goikoetxea (Spain)	1994
Fernando Gomez (Spain)	1990
Samson Siasia (Nigeria)	1994
Alloy Agu (Nigeria)	1994, 1998