Posted by Scotty Byington

After an exciting weekend of quarterfinal action that saw heartbreak for the host nation and a near historic Argentine-winning streak snapped, we are now treated with some mid-week World Cup action. The stakes just so happen to be a place in this weekend’s final in Bogotá. With all the drama and excitement the tournament has displayed thus far, these semi-finals will surely be the stand out of a day that also boasts UEFA Champions League action.With no further delay, let’s get into it:

Brazil vs. Mexico – Spectators might be surprised to see them this far, but the Mexico U20 side are clearly motivated by the grander success of their country this summer at all levels of national completion. El Tri started the tournament in less-than-spectacular fashion, only winning one game in the group stages. They were then taken all the way to penalties against Cameroon in the Round of 16, but have found their winning stride at exactly the right time. Mexico’s 3-1 win over host nation Columbia was a well-deserved result, shouldering the underdog mantle to full aplomb. Interestingly, and somewhat condemning for the future of the USMNT, El Tri’s second appearance in the last four will move them onto 49 matches at the U-20 World Cup, and thereby overtake the US as the CONCACAF nation with the most games in the history of the tournament.

Continuing to write history themselves, Brazil enter the remaining stages as clear frontrunners to claim yet another World Cup title, what will be their fifth should this crop of players succeed. A Seleção, now unbeaten in their last 12 matches at the U-20 World Cup with their last defeat dating back in 2007, will feel confident after overcoming the hugely talented Spain over the weekend. Though the match went to penalties, the eventual winners rightful progressed, as they were the better team throughout. The match itself was a game to behold as both Spain and Brazil committed to attacking football and did not back down from their game plans. It will be difficult for any of the remaining matches to top this one in terms of pure footballing display.

Prediction: 3-1 Brazil

France vs. Portugal – Every football student knows the history between these two European sides, yet interestingly, they have never met at the U20 level. Here’s to hoping history continues to bestow her drama on this encounter.

Portugal’s appearance in the semi-finals comes down to sheer defense impenetrability. It has been 525 minutes since they last picked the ball out of their net, and the boys from Iberia are a mere 100 minutes shy of Brazil’s record of not conceding. Yet just as they are a nightmare to get one past, so too are they a bit of a scare in scoring themselves. Astonishingly, Portugal has only netted three times this tournament. It doesn’t take a genius to know what it takes to win a match. Goals will be needed if this current squad wants to replicate their footballing ancestors of 20 years when Portugal last lifted the U20 trophy. Of course that team just so happened to include some minor individuals in the form of Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Joao Pinto.

France will hope they have uncovered an individual jewel of their own in the shape of Alexandre Lacazette. Utilized as a super sub, Lacazette has netted four times this tournament. Most importantly, hitting a brace last weekend against the formidable Nigeria. Though unconvincing in the early going, Les Bleuets have pulled together and proved themselves to be a highly organized side. This is the first time France have qualified for the U20 semi-finals and they will not want to stop writing national history.

Prediction: 1-0 France (ET)