In the history of World Cups, scoring three goals in a single game is very rare. In the final, the task is even more difficult. In the history of Under-20 World Cup, it had never previously happened, and only once FIFA World Cup, in 1966, when Geoff Hurst’s treble led England to glory. That’s why, during Brazil’s win against Portugal on Saturday, Oscar joined the history of world football.
He scored three goals in as Brazil won the tournament for the fifth time. The first opened the scoring although slightly deflected; the second that tied the game minutes from the end; and the third, a fortunate cross-cum-shot that went straight in and gave Brazil the prize.
His career seems short, but even at the age of 19 Oscar has many stories to tell.
Early promise, transfer controversy and glory with the Under-20s
Baptised with the name of an idol of Brazilian basketball, Oscar was born in the state of Sao Paulo, more precisely America. To play ball, however, at 13, he went to Santa Barbara D’Oeste, also in São Paulo state where he had his first year with União Barbarense, the town team.
Neto, an ex-Corinthians legend-turned-scout, spotted Oscar’s talent and took the boy to the capital. At age 14 he was a player for Sao Paulo Futebol Clube, where he soon became prominent at the bottom. The player was the most promising youngster at the club, even being compared with Kaka.
He made a good start to his first year as a professional in 2008, but had no idea what was to come in 2009.
Involved in a legal controversy, Oscar rarely played for his club. Sao Paulo were protected by a contract, but Oscar wanted to leave. Unable to negotiate with the club, he sued them and was able to leave to join Internacional.
A new life at Internacional
In June 2010 the player was able to finally settle his contract with a new club: Internacional de Porto Alegre. The player arrived as reinforcements for the Club World Cup in December of the same year.
But the competition was a complete failure. Inter lost to TP Mazembe from Congo, in the semi-finals, one of the biggest embarrassments in the club’s history.
The year 2011, however, would be the recovery. First came the title of the South American U-20 with the national team, running the midfield alongside Lucas and Neymar. After that, the state title with Internacional in the first half of the year.
In the Under-20 World Cup, Oscar was given to the role of the number 11, complementing the midfield, alongside Philippe Coutinho. Playing well, the player reached the final without having scored a goal in the competition, despite many impressive performances.
In the final against Portugal, he scored three goals and created the landmark moment of his career so far. Oscar, especially after the World Cup, is increasingly being touted for a call-up to the senior side by Mano Menezes.
