Soccer (football), Sport

FIFA U-20 World Cup pre-match analysis – Day 12

FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP 1/8 FINALS – DAY 3

JAPAN U-20 – REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA U-20

Venue: Arena Lublin

Fate has allocated two neighbours face off in a global competition. Two teams that organized the World Cup together some time ago, now have to face each other to progress at this World Cup. It should be a very interesting game between two teams equally capable of coming out on top.

Both teams finished in 2nd place in their groups, South Korea with 6 points, Japan – 5. It was a very satisfying outcome for both and now one of these teams will reach the quarter-finals. Each team has fast, brave players who mostly play in their national leagues, so their styles of play are very similar. Japan has had more shots on target in the group stage and has scored one more goal than South Korea. Maybe this will be the key to advancing.

STATSCORE prediction: Japan – South Korea: X (Japan win after extra-time)

Experience more: Check the CupCenter for FIFA U-20 World Cup

FRANCE U-20 – USA U-20

Venue: Stadion im. Zdzisława Krzyszkowiaka, Bydgoszcz

This is a very difficult match to predict the result. It’s a very similar situation here that we have in the first match we looked at today – two equally good teams. Before the start of this tournament, France was predicted to win it but team USA also had a strong line-up and was among the favorites for sure. France won all of their group matches and of course, finished in 1st place. The USA started with a surprising loss against Ukraine but went on to win their last 2 group matches against Nigeria and Qatar.

These teams have already played against each other this year and drew 2:2. It is highly possible that they will draw again in regular time and the match will go into extra-time.

STATSCORE prediction: France – USA: X (France win after extra-time)

ARGENTINA U-20 – MALI U-20

Venue: Bielsko-Biala Stadium, Bielsko Biala

Here we have a totally different situation than in the previous two matches. Argentina are seen to be the big favorites for this game. Their start to this tournament was impressive and despite the loss against South Korea, they have controlled their situation, because when they did lose, it was only in their last group match.

The Mali team have had to fight hard in every match to get this far. They have one win, one draw and a loss after their three matches and surprisingly it was enough to finish in 2nd place in their group.

It could well turn out to be a very entertaining match, similar to the Mali – France game that finished 2:3 but we predict that in the end, Argentina will be successful.

STATSCORE prediction: Argentina – Mali: 1