BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Brazil’s flamboyant attack meets Portugal’s impregnable defence in today’s final of the Under-20 World Cup.

Brazil go in as the favourites, looking for their fifth U-20 title and trying to avoid the kind of upset that took place two years ago when the South Americans were beaten in the final by Ghana.

Portugal, who have yet to give up a goal in six matches behind ‘keeper Mika, are chasing their third U-20 title. The Europeans are hoping for a repeat of the last of their two titles, when 20 years ago Portugal defeated Brazil on penalties in the final.

Almost everyone believes Brazil will be too much, even for Portugal’s stout defence.

The South Americans have scored 15 goals, led by Henrique with five and Philippe Coutinho and Dudu with three each.

“Brazil’s attack is powerful and we can cause damage to Portugal’s tough defence,” Brazil coach Ney Franco said.

Henrique scored two late goals in Brazil’s 2-0 semi-final victory over Mexico. Franco has talked openly about his tactic of wearing down the other team in the first half, and then striking in the second.

It may be tough today for both teams in Bogota, where the thin air at 2,600 metres (8,600 feet) is likely to take a toll.

The final threatens to be an anticlimax.

For many the “real final” took place in the quarter-finals, when Brazil defeated Spain 4-2 on penalties after the match was tied at 2-2 through 120 minutes.

Mika has been spectacular in goal for Portugal. According to FIFA, Portugal are only 19 minutes short of matching Brazil’s record set in 1997 of 634 minutes without conceding a goal in the Under-20 World Cup.

The Europeans have had trouble in attack. They have only five goals in six matches, and two came in the 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals.

“I don’t know of any team that has gone into a final without giving up a goal,” Portugal coach Ilidio Vale said after the semi-final victory. “This needs to be appreciated. We’ve had a great World Cup and we scored two goals today to answer critics who said we could not score.”

France coach Francis Smerecki also dismissed criticism of Portugal’s defensive style.

“There are various ways of playing football,” he said. “The World Cup produces exceptional things. If Portugal can go on without giving up a goal in this tournament, it will be a deserving champion.”