Brazil’s World Cup dreams were dashed for the second time in a week when youngsters at Ashmount Primary School staged their own version of the tournament.

Islington Gazette: Winning captain Alex Spence with the trophyWinning captain Alex Spence with the trophy (Image: Dieter Perry)

The Crouch Hill school have been holding their ‘World Cup’ at lunchtimes for boys and girls in years 3-6, with 10 mixed teams named after competing nations in the FIFA showpiece event.

The tournament, organised by the school’s learning mentor Salman Ali, reached its climax on Monday when Brazil faced Belgium in a pulsating final, with Harry Allinson giving the Brazilian team an early lead before Adam Fox-Smith equalised.

Zak Baig hit Brazil’s second to put them 2-1 up at half-time, but Han Willhoft-King levelled and then Rufus Tansey edged Belgium ahead for the first time in the game.

Brazil captain Bertie Harrison ventured forward to make it 3-3 and it looked as if the game would go into extra time, only for eight year-old Willhoft-King – who is on the books at Tottenham – to score his second and clinch the cup for Belgium.

The trophy was presented by headteacher Pana McGee, who is retiring after 10 years at the school.

She said: “It has been a fantastic event and seeing the children so gracious in victory and defeat made me really proud of all of them.”