2019 FIFA U20 World Cup: Non-U.S. team and tournament news

Funny to see what a poor standard of play that was...

 

Looks better than some recent U-20 teams to me. Rimando, Dolo, Boca, Garcia, Twellman.

 

Yeah, not talking about the roster but the style of play -- specifically, the lack of organization, possession, and technique. It's especially noticeable when you consider that two of the youth programs that have grown the most in the last two decades are Japan and the US.

 

CONMEBOL qualifying is now underway ...

 

Venezuela 1-0 Colombia, a bad loss for Colombia, who played a man up the whole second half, led 19-6 on shots and 68-32 on possession, but conceded a goal on a free kick midway through the second half.

 

Chile 1-1 Bolivia, not a good start for tournament host Chile, although they trailed for much of the game.

 

Today Group B kicks off, with Ecuador v Paraguay and Uruguay v Peru.

 

Ecuador 3-0 Paraguay, Ecuador took control with two 1st-half goals, then scored a 2nd-half PK; Paraguay played down a man the last 15 minutes.

Uruguay 0-1 Peru, 0-0 at HT with shots 12-2 Uruguay, and possession 56-44 Peru; by game's end Uruguay's shot advantage reached 28-5, while possession in the end very slightly favored Uruguay. Those stats weren't helpful enough, however, as Peru scored a PK early in the second half, with its only shot on goal, then held on for the win.

 

Back to Group A on Saturday, with Colombia v Brazil and Chile v Venezuela.

 

Yesterday's results:

Colombia 0-0 Brazil, ordinarily not a bad result for Colombia, but after an opening loss they are poorly placed to advance. Colombia had a slight advantage in shots, 8-6, with possession almost even.

Chile 1-2 Venezuela, Venezuela came to play, apparently. Now, with wins over Colombia and Chile, Venezuela seems certain to advance (to the final group stage). Hosts Chile are in trouble, and must now try to beat Brazil and Colombia.

These highlights are somewhat scattered, but the goals are well-covered from various angles.

 

Today Argentina enters the fray, first Paraguay v Argentina, then Uruguay v Ecuador.

 

Paraguay 1-1 Argentina, both goals in the first half, with Paraguay's coming at the very end of the half. Argentina with a heavy advantage in shots (15-6) and possession (70/30). Paraguay is in trouble, and Argentina has a long way to go.

Uruguay 3-1 Ecuador, exciting first half, with Uruguay taking a 2-1 lead just before halftime. Shots at halftime were 8-3 Uruguay, but possession 64/36 for Ecuador. By games end shots were 16-7 Uruguay but possession remained heavily in Ecuador's favor 67/33. Uruguay with an insurance goal in stoppage time.

Note that several of these games have had 5+ minutes added on, which I think is good.

 

On we go, back to group A, Colombia v Bolivia and Brazil v Venezuela.

 

Highlights from yesterday, while we're waiting for today's action ...

Paraguay 1-1 Argentina



Uruguay 3-1 Ecuador

 

Colombia 1-0 Bolivia, Colombia won a must win game, to stay alive, and play Chile on Friday with a chance to advance. Bolivia, still to face Venezuela on Wednesday and Brazil on Friday, looks likely on the way out. Colombia led in shots 24-17 - that's a lot of shooting! - and 61/39 in possession.

Brazil 2-1 Venezuela, Brazil managed to slow down the Venezuelan train, but both teams seems likely to advance. Venezuela actually took more shots, 8-6, and had slightly greater possession 52/48, but couldn't score until 2nd half stoppage time.

 

Colombia 1-0 Bolivia



Brazil 2-1 Venezuela

 

Samuel Sosa had his second goal from a free kick against Brazil. The kid is legit, I wonder if any MLS teams are looking at him.

 

Catching up ...

Yesterday's results - Argentina 0-1 Ecuador and Paraguay 1-0 Peru - had the effect of evening out Group B. With a draw and a loss to start, Argentina may now need to beat both Uruguay (tomorrow) and Peru (Saturday) to advance.

Standings for both groups here: https://www.google.com/search?q=con...-8#sie=lg;/g/11c6zk991d;2;/m/0f9ct2;st;fp;1;;

Today's games: Bolivia v Venezuela and Chile v Brazil - host Chile with their backs to the wall.

 

Group A is nearing its final shape, but it is still too close to call, with four of five rounds completed:

Yesterday's results: Bolivia 0-1 Venezuela, Chile 1-0 Brazil

Venezuela has finished their four matches, and they will finish first (and advance, of course, to the Final Hex). Bolivia needs to win and get some help; but Chile, Brazil and Colombia all control their own destiny - win and advance.

Group standings here: https://www.google.com/search?q=con...-8#sie=lg;/g/11c6zk991d;2;/m/0f9ct2;st;fp;1;;

Two key games tomorrow: Brazil v Bolivia and Chile v Colombia.

 

Today we have Peru v Ecuador and Uruguay v Argentina, both high-stakes games between rivals - with no margin for error. Note especially that Argentina faces elimination today.

 

Equator beats Peru 3-1.
Argentina, facing elimination, currently 0-0 with Uruguay in the 11th minute