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. Argentina – U20 World Cup 2017 (8pm – Tuesday May 23rd 2017)
The 2nd group game for host nation South Korea sees them taking on South Americans Argentina. South Korea looked strong beating Guinea on Saturday and hopefully some of the nerves will also be gone. It’s not easy playing in front of 30,000+ fans. Once again look out for Barcelona youth teamers Lee Seung-Woo and Paik Seung-Ho standout.
Argentina maybe 6 times champions but were soundly beaten by England on Saturday 3-0, however they did dominate large parts of the game within any end product.
Overall with a home crowd behind them we see Korea edging Argentina, however this will be a much harder game than their opener.
Prediction: South Korea 2 – 1 Argentina
U20 World Cup 2017 Previews / Predictions – Tuesday May 23rd 2017
Are the details on the 3 other games on Tuesday in the U20 World Cup;
England vs. Guinea- 5pm
The earlier game from Group A features England and Guinea. England displayed strong finishing on Saturday beating Argentina 3-0, they also looked strong in defence as well. Guinea on the other hand had some strong players but are maybe lacking the overall squad to progress past these group stages.
England will be favorites to win, and avoid needing a result against the hosts on Friday.
Prediction: England 3 – 1 Guinea
Venezuela vs. Vanuatu – 5pm
The earlier game from Group B has South Americans Venezuela taking on Vanuatu. Venezuela made the most of their chances against Germany winning 2-0. With some of their bigger names looking strong, Ronaldo Peña and Adalberto Peñaranda for example. Vanuatu come within minutes of causing a big shock losing 3-2 to Mexico, but they won a lot of fans due to their strong performance. 17 year old Ronaldo Wilkins was a little Messi on Saturday.
This could be a big scoreline in Venezuela go for it.
Prediction: Venezuela 4 – 1 Vanuatu
Mexico vs. Germany – 8pm
The second game of the day from Group B (it maybe lost due to Korea playing at the same time), features Mexico and Germany. Neither side were convincing in their opening games. Germany lost 2-0 to Venezuela, switching off for 3 second half minutes. Goals could be their problem. Mexico required an injury time winner to see off a spirited Vanuatu.
A win for Mexico would surely see them into the round of 16, however we see these sides drawing (depending on the earlier result).
Prediction: Mexico 1 – 1 Germany
More Updates via Twitter
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 