Paraguay's Pynandi outclass Brasil to secure second U‑20 beach crown

Paraguay's beach‑soccer side, known as the Pynandi, thrashed Brasil 5‑0 in the Sudamericano Sub‑20 de Fútbol Playa final on Sunday at Lima’s Estadio Playa Agua Dulce, clinching a second consecutive title. The victory cemented Paraguay’s dominance after they lifted the trophy in Iquique the previous year.

Barrios stars as Pynandi dominate

Los 'Pynandi' seized the initiative within the opening minutes, with Thiago Barrios finding the net twice before the half hour. His first strike arrived at 11’19’’ and the second at 10’30’’, putting Paraguay firmly in command. Their swift pressure forced Brasil into a defensive posture that never materialised into a chance.

Didier Cáceres extended the lead at 3’19’’, creating a three‑goal cushion. The early barrage left Brasil, referred to as the 'Canarinha', struggling to recover. The 'Canarinha' failed to register a single shot on target throughout the encounter.

Barrios completed his personal poker in the closing stages, scoring again at 4’44’’ and 0’28’’ to finish with four goals in the match and 16 across the tournament. His contribution accounted for the bulk of Paraguay’s five‑goal haul.

Paraguay secures back‑to‑back crown

The triumph marks Paraguay’s second straight Sudamericano Sub‑20 Fútbol Playa crown, having first won the title in Iquique in 2023. The back‑to‑back success confirms the Pynandi as the joint most successful nation alongside Argentina.

With the victory, Paraguay joins Argentina as the tournament’s biggest winners, while Brasil shares the remaining two titles. The team lifted the trophy amid celebrations from fans and officials at the Estadio Playa Agua Dulce, underscoring Paraguay’s hierarchy in the beach‑soccer scene.

Venezuela secured third place by edging Colombia 4‑3 in a tightly contested match that was decided in the final minutes. Venezuela’s win ensured a podium finish for the South American side. Chile rounded out the top five after a 10‑3 demolition of Bolivia in the opening game of the final day.

On Saturday, Argentina finished ninth after a victory over Uruguay, highlighting the varied fortunes across the tournament’s concluding round. The Pynandi celebrated together on the pitch.