The round of 16 of the U-20 World Cup in Chile has concluded, and the squad for the quarter-finals has been fully formed. The biggest news is that all representatives of Asia left the tournament in the first stage of the playoffs: South Korea and Japan lost in dramatic matches, thus the region's hopes were dashed.
The hosts couldn't withstand the tough Mexico (1:4)
Although the Chilean youth team started vigorously on their home field, the Mexicans prevailed with experience and the quality of a substitute: Jimenez opened the scoring, Fimbres consolidated the advantage, and Camberos sealed the victory with two goals - 1:4.
Argentina - power and class demonstration (4:0)
Among the title contenders, Argentina left Nigeria without a chance: Sarko scored early, Carrizo scored a brace, and Sylvetti finished. 4:0 - "Albiceleste" showed one of the most convincing games so far.
Spain minimal but reliable (1:0)
In the match against Ukraine, La Roxa managed to win narrowly - Garcia's single goal was enough. The Spaniards kept the opponent under control with a complex game and disciplined pressing.
Colombia confidently advances to the next stage (3:1)
In the match against South Africa, the goals of Kanchimbo and Villarreal (doubles) set the score. Although the Africans saved one of the penalties, they couldn't change the overall score.
USA returns Italy empty-handed (3:0)
Kremaski's brace and Sakiris' goal were a difficult night for the Italian youth team. The Americans outperformed their opponents in discipline and quick attacks.
Morocco - the reward for patience and character (2:1)
In the match against South Korea, the Moroccans maintained a tight structure: first, an own goal helped, then Zabiri got the job done. Although the Asian representative scored from a penalty in the last minute, he couldn't escape defeat.
Slow-paste, but effective Norway (1:0)
The clash with Paraguay extended into extra time, with Fuglestad's goal in the 116th minute opening the door to the quarterfinals for the Scandinavians.
France - dramatic last-minute victory (1:0)
The match against Japan was extremely tense: in the 120+3rd minute, Michel found the net from a penalty, taking France to the next round.
Quarterfinal pairs and agenda
October 12
• Mexico - Argentina
• Spain - Colombia
October 13
• USA - Morocco
• Norway - France
Composition: CONMEBOL (Argentina, Colombia), UEFA (Spain, France, Norway), CONCACAF (USA, Mexico) and CAF (Morocco) representatives in the next stage. Not a single team remained from Asia - this showed that the region still needs to work on making quick decisions, solving the third zone one-on-one, and transitioning to another "Plan B."
Now the focus is on clashes of major favorites: the Mexican-Argentine "latino derby" will determine the mood, while a combined advantage test against pressing and speed is expected in Spain-Colombia. The intensity of the USA corresponds to the reasonable discipline of Morocco, the order of Norway - to the combination of individual skills of France.
In short: the intensity of the playoffs is just beginning - the price of every mistake is even more expensive in the quarterfinals.
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