The long wait is almost over and the U20 World Cup is finally here. Interest locally has been mixed, but attendances for the bigger group games and of course the knockout stages should be good. Saturday features 4 games 2 in Group A and 2 in Group B with games taking place at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium and Daejeon World Cup Stadium.
The highlight game of course is the official opening match between hosts South Korea and African side Guinea. It is however the 4th and final game of the day with Venezuela vs. Germany, Vanuatu vs. Mexico and Argentina vs. England all taking place in the afternoon. Here are previews and predictions are all 4 games;
– Note we’ll be covering all of the games involving South Korea and as much of the rest of the action as possible. However due to the number of games previews will be brief. Goal updates and some highlights/replay via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
South Korea vs. Guinea – U20 World Cup 2017 (8pm – Saturday May 20th 2017)
The official opening game of the U20 World Cup features host nation South Korea and African side Guinea. This will be South Korea’s 14th appearance at the U20 World Cup, with their best performance a 4th place finish back in 1983. They qualified as hosts, but do have a strong squad of players Barcelona youth teamers Lee Seung-Woo and Paik Seung-Ho standout. Guinea are making their 2nd appearance their first only previous appearance coming back in 1979. They qualified by finishing 3rd in the African U20 Cup of Nations. They are the underdogs in the group, but are a strong physical side that could cause Korea problems via set pieces.
Overall with a home crowd behind them we see Korea getting the vital 3 points, but Guinea will be a test.
Prediction: South Korea 2 – 0 Guinea
U20 World Cup 2017 Previews / Predictions – Saturday May 20th 2017
Are the details on the 3 other games on Saturday in the U20 World Cup;
Venezuela vs. Germany – 2pm
The first game of the day features South Americans Venezuela making their 2nd U20 World Cup Appearance against European Powerhouse Germany, who have won the cup once before back in the 80’s. Venezuela qualified ahead of Brazil, but aren’t considered contenders despite including a few full internationals in their squad. Germany on the other hand are expected to do well but maybe not win the cup.
Germany should edge the game.
Prediction: Venezuela 1 – 2 Germany
Vanuatu vs. Mexico – 5pm
The strangest matchup of the day features Pacific nation Vanuatu making their U20 debut, against Central American giants Mexico. Mexico finished runners-up back in the 70s and 3rd in 2011. Vanuatu lost 5-0 to New Zealand in their last big international.
This could be a cricket score, expect a 9-1-1 formation from Vanuatu.
Prediction: Vanuatu 0 – 4 Mexico
Argentina vs. England – 4.30pm
The earlier Group A game is a famous matchup between rivals England and Argentina. England’s best performance was a 3rd place finish back in 1993, whilst Argentina are 6 times champions. However in recent years neither nation has been great at this level.
This should be a firey game and a perfect warmup for the South Korea vs. Guinea match. We see it ending in a draw, but both sides will do well in the competition.
Prediction: Argentina 1 – 1 England
U20 World Cup 2017 Results – Saturday May 20th 2017
Saturday Results:
Venezuela 2-0 Germany
England 3-0 Argentina
Vanuatu 2-3 Mexico
South Korea 1-0 Guinea (HT)
More Updates via Twitter
U20 World Cup Betting Odds
Finally here are betting odds (pre-tournament) on the winners;
Finally
For information on the all of our previous U20 World Cup Content: CLICK HERE
U20 World Cup Printable Wallchart CLICK HERE
As always if you have anything you’d like to add please let us know. We will try and keep things updated as best as possible via Twitter (and little via Facebook).
Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 