Rafa ‘Rafinha’ Alcántara’s debut for Brazil's U-20 national team wasn’t what he was hoping for. Brazil were defeated by 2-3 by Uruguay, who sit atop the group table. Uruguay took a quick two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Laxalt and Rolan (penalty). The Brazilians, with Rafinha on the pitch, fought back in the second half. Velázquez and Marcos Junior struck twice in the span of two minutes to tie things up (2-2). The surprise came in added time when López scored the winner.
Official debut with Brazil
Even though Rafinha played for the U-16, U-17 and U-19 Spain national teams, he opted to play for Brazil’s U-20 team.
Rafinha was subbed into the match on 53 minutes for Misael Bueno. The Blaugrana midfielder helped his team fight back from a two-goal deficit, but in the end his effort wasn’t enough to save his team from defeat. Brazil will face Venezuela in a do-or-die match on January 17.
