Unless you have been hiding under a metaphorical football rock, then you are privy to the entertainment that has been the outstanding U-20 World Cup thus far. Group stages are often noted for dour, pragmatic encounters, but it has not been so from this tournament. Goals, guts and glory with the effect being a contagious World Cup fever. Over 1,027,000 tickets have been sold locally, and the U-20s now represent Columbia’s largest sporting happening to date. These record crowds have provided a festive atmosphere both inside and out of the stadiums as the World Cup party has captivated the entire country, if not beyond.
There are countless stories to follow-up on, from the unbeaten host nation to the historic, tearful Guatemalans, and with story-lines aplenty, it would be impossible to encapsulate it all here. So with that impossible task in mind, let's take a look at the action thus far as we gear up for the real meat of the tournament, the knock-out stages.
Games to highlight:
Brazil v. Austria (Match 14) - After stuttering to 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening match, Brazil showcased their undoubted talent with a classy 3-0 victory over Austria. Proving what their senior counterparts couldn't at the Copa America, these young samba boys put on a thorough display of suburb teamwork and flashy creativity. It was a treat for all to behold, and placed Brazil well and surely as the most prolific team in the tournaments history. This match witnessed Brazil become the first country to tally more than 200 all-time goals in the competition, with the landmark goal coming when Henrique struck the first in the defeat of Austria. A Seleção have taken 91 games to reach that figure, which equates to an average of 2.21 goals per match. Surprised that it comes from the Verde-Amarela boys? Yeah, me neither, but my hats off nonetheless.
Croatia v. Nigeria (Match 22) - Nigeria's 5-2 thumping of Croatia came on day when 20 goals were scored between the four games being played, including Saudi Arabia's 6-0 rout of poor Guatemala. Yet Nigeria's game stand outs from the day given it was their second game in a row to hit 5 goals past their opposition, and with ease. The "boys" from Nigeria look as if they've taken a few notes from Barry Bond's handbook to successful sporting endeavor. These are massive guys. They ooze power and strength and have been magnificently coached into an unstoppable goal getting team. Their group stage displays will surely be providing nightmares to the lads from England, particularly if the Brits took note of Terna Suswan's awesomely struck 30-yard strike.
Croatia v. Guatemala (Match 35) - After being utterly destroyed in their previous two games against Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, 5-0 and 6-0 respectively, it seemed beyond the realms of possibility that a meager Guatemalan side would progress into the knockouts. Yet with grit and determination, and bloodied head bandages to boot, the Guatemalans pulled off an unlikely feat. After a deadlock match, with the Croats looking the most likely to score, Guatemalan Marvin Ceballos took advantage of some poor defending on the 81 minute mark to slot home Guatemala’s first ever goal in the U-20s. His solitary, historic goal was enough to send Guatemala through, and break the team down into tears. The game made even more history as the Guatemalans became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the U-20s with a goal difference of -10.
Player of the Tournament, thus far:
There are plenty to mention as the pre-tournament notables have not disappointed. Argentine Erik Lamela has been nothing short of outstanding (despite not featuring in the final game), so to has his teammate Juan Manuel Iturbe. Brazil's individual talents have shown brightly, Philippe Coutinho in particular has been sublime. Spanish maestro Sergio Canales has been pulling all the strings for the unbeaten Spaniards, and Luis Muriel has been playing lights-out for the host nation, Columbia.
However, star-gazing aside, my pick has to go to New Zealand's goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. He demonstrated the perfect mixture of talent and passion as he put on three brilliant performances for the All Whites. Despite only gaining two points from the group stages, the Kiwis can thank Marinovic for having collected any points at all. His efforts will go down in history for the New Zealanders given the fact the country had yet to amass any points at the U20s prior to this edition (albeit, the only other tournament they participated in was Canada '07). So despite an early departure back home across the Pacific, Marinovic should keep his spirits high as he captured the hearts of many Columbians, especially the locals in Cali, with his resolute performances.
Team of the Tournament, thus far:
Three teams earned maximum points from the groups: Nigeria, Spain and Columbia. While the other group winners (Portugal, Argentina and Brazil) have all been impressive in their own right as well. From this pool it is tough to pick the stand-out team. Nigeria, as already mentioned, has been in goal getting heaven, scoring twelve in their three group games. While much like their senior counterparts, Spain has been fluid, confident and deadly. And of course it is no surprise to see the other three group winners progressing as top seeds.
So then I guess my choice would have to go to the host nation, Columbia. It always adds that extra zest to a World Cup when the host nation does well, and this has been no exception. The crowds are alight with passion when their boys take the pitch. That energy has clearly motivated the Columbian squad as the team put together a perfect group stage performance. After bossing France 4-1 in the opening game, the Columbian defense shut up shop and did not allow another goal in the following two games against Mali and South Korea. Porto’s rising star James Rodriguez has demonstrated why his club raised his buy-out clause to €45 million earlier this summer. He’s knocked in two goals and provided an assist. The aforementioned Luis Muriel has also been a joy to behold. Yet the collective nature and passionate support of the host nation is the real reason Columbia are my pick. In that opening game against France, Los Cafeteros were backed with a truly moving rendition of the national anthem by the crowd. The emotion was painted on the young men’s face and you would have to be a cold scrooge to not be warmed by the emotive scene. It is said that prior to taking the pitch, Columbia’s fitness coach yelled out, “There’s 11 of us, but we’ve got 46 million behind us!”
Interesting to note:
If you were fooled into thinking Columbian football legend Carlos Valderrama was recruited by the Aussies, you were not alone. Chants of “Pibe! Pibe! Pibe!” rang out everytime Young Socceroo Mustafa Amini touched the ball. The cheers of course being a tribute to Amini’s Carlos Valderrama-style hair-do. Unfortunately his choice of hair style could not channel the master-class talents of the true El Pibe. The young Aussies crashed out after winning just one point from the group stages.
So there you have it. A quick look at the tournament thus far, and below you’ll see the fixture list for the upcoming round of 16. I’ve put an asterisk next to the must-see matches. This tournament has already been filled with all the emotion one expects from a World Cup, and it will surely only get better from here. So if you’re under that rock, get up and come join the party.
Round of 16 Fixtures:
Tuesday, August 9th:
Argentina v. Egypt*
Portugal v. Guatemala
Columbia v. Costa Rica*
Cameroon v. Mexico
Wednesday, August 10th:
Nigeria v. England*
Spain v. South Korea
France v. Ecuador
Brazil v. Saudi Arabia*
World Football Daily
