FIFA U-20 World Cup: Korea Republic 2017 [R]

WTF? They played the wrong anthem again? They played the Chilean anthem instead of the Uruguayan one! AGAIN! Same thing as in the Copa America Centenario! Coincidence? I think not...

Well, I guess it's the only way Chile can get close to a Youth World Cup.

 

Your right that European teams do not bring their best players because for the most part, they don't value the tourney (though examples like France in '13 belie that), however you're wrong in your latter point. If international sides have young players at European clubs that either by stance, or by situation (major youth championships with Schalke this year played a role in the US missing 3 of it's top 5 players) aren't available, it can and will happen to any side. The key component is whether the nation has players playing at Euro clubs instead of domestically. Over the past two U-20 tournaments the US has been missing it's top forwards both times because of the actions of the actions of the clubs that own said players contracts. This issue can effect anyone if a given international side has key players based in Europe.

 

Agree w/that although apparently the monsoon season had something to do with it? I don't understand why the U-17 tourney is in October as well. It should be in the summer or if south of the equator, during the winter break. Winter or Summer Break, period, don't get why they refuse to understand this?!?!

 

Zambia winning the U20 African Championship was no fluke. They have typical Zambian flair plus a couple of excellent finishers. Zambia in general tends to perform better than most Southern African team, because they have the flair plus team structure and composed finishers.

Patson Daka could be Zambia's biggest star since Kalusha Bwalya. I know for fact this guy is u20.

 

Oh good! I think we should praise the Zambian Federation for bringing a U20 player to a U20 tournament. That's so commendable!

 

USA takes control of their Group by beating Senegal.

Josh Sargent is solid.

 

Great win for the US. Gutting out this great result should so wonders for their confidence. Tough, tough game. I'm impressed.
And Saudi Arabia beat Ecuador? Lol
This group turned out to be great.!

 

Anybody have a link to that GIF of Korea knocking out Argentina and Maradona celebrating being drawn with Korea?

Supposedly on Reddit but I didn't find the one that put the clips together.

Anyway, awesomeness.

 

Josh Sargent is the Real Deal for us

 

I'm not the one constantly putting African players ages in doubt. Somehow despite widespread age-cheating in South America, including cheating at this event, you don't get the same scrutiny there...

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/6cvl3j/maradona_gets_taunted_by_korean_goalscorer_paik/

 

Really?

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2017/01/28/mystery-heltton-matheus-brazils-age-fraud-epidemic

 

Despite the loss Zambia look like bona fide title challengers. Costa Rica with a miracle to win this after being so thoroughly outplayed in the second half. Zambia are a true joy to watch too.

Meanwhile chances are looking slim for Argentina. Two teams already ahead of them, so now they need two of the other third placed teams to finish behind them...

 

Wow what a finish in group C. Iran gives up a very unfortunate own goal. Zambia scores, which would have bumped Costa Rica below Iran, but is ruled offside with video replay. Both within the last minutes of the games.



Anyways, here are some group advancing odds for the remaining groups (based off of Elo ratings from the last decade of matches) and WC chances.

G0 = before group games were played
G1 = after the first round of games, etc.

 

Good job Portugal

 

Costa Rica and Portugal both won and both have more points than Argentina. How does that work for Argentina?

Costa Rica has more points than Argentina and the same amount of points and a better goal differential than Germany, so Costa Rica's odds should be 100%, not 99.7%.

I'm surprised USA has the ninth best ELO of the 24 teams. I didn't think USA would be that high.

 

If I'm not mistaken Japan will go through if this game ends 2-2... They'll have more points than Argentina and an equal goal difference, but better goals scored tally than Germany so will be assured of at least on of the 4 places. I wish the commentator would stop saying, "Japan must score... blah, blah...." geeze get your facts straight commentator!

 

It ended 2-2. Italy scored the first 2 goals, and Japan's comeback was bad for Argentina. If Saudi Arabia doesn't lose to USA, Argentina will be eliminated. Both USA and the Senegal vs. Ecuador winner (Senegal if it's a draw) will have more points than Argentina. Uruguay (group winner) and South Africa (last) played a scoreless draw.

 

Argentina almost out.

So far 3rd placed teams:
1. Costa Rica
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. Argentina

Scenarios:
For Argentina - both of the below must not happen:
1. Vietnam beats Honduras or Honduras beats Vietnam by 6 goals.
2. Saudi Arabia draws or beats USA

Germany has a whole host of scenarios where they go through., so I think they will scrape through.