TheNewsGuru

Tag: Argentina 2023

  • Argentina 2023: Uruguay win historic final, beat Italy 1-0

    Argentina 2023: Uruguay win historic final, beat Italy 1-0

    South American nation of Uruguay defeated Italy U-20 boys to win historic Under-20 World Cup title.

    Uruguay’s victory over Italy ended a streal of four consecutive wins for European countries in the competition.

    Uruguay’s forward, Luciano Rodríguez headed home the winning goal in the 86th minute with a header from close range, giving Uruguay a much-deserved victory after an entire match of dominance against Italy.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino and many other dignitaries were present at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

    Uruguay barely needed to count on its steady defense, which conceded only three goals in the tournament, all against England in the group stage.

    The South American team had clear chances to open the scoring much earlier in a free kick taken by Rodríguez, two long distance shots by captain Fabricio Díaz and a header by Anderson Duarte that forced goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches to make one of the best saves of the tournament.

    After playing in two finals in the competion before now, Uruguay finally win the U-20 World Cup.

  • Argentina 2023: Italy, Uruguay to clash in final on Sunday

    Argentina 2023: Italy, Uruguay to clash in final on Sunday

    Junior Azurri of Italy on Thursday defeated  South Korea  2-1 to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in Argentina.

    The evening encounter between Italy and South Korea offered more than 20,000 spectators one of the best matches of the tournament, with goalkeepers Sebastiano Desplanches and Kim Joon-hong working hard from start to finish.

    Italy opened the scoring in the 14th minute via the player of the tournament so far, Cesare Casadei shot from the edge of the box despite being crowded by three South Koreans to put the ball in the back of the net for the seventh time in the U-20 World Cup.

    South Korea equalized with Lee Seung-won’s shot from the spot in the 23rd after a video-reviewed decision.

    Both teams wasted goal scoring opportunities to get ahead, including one for Italy that required goal line review. The deadlock was broken in the 86th, when substitute Simone Pafundi scored from a free kick.

    In the group stage the Italians defeated Brazil 3-2, lost to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria by 2-0 before thrashing Dominican Republic 3-1 to advance to the tournament’s elimination round.

    Earlier South American nation of Uruguay ended Israel’s cinderella run with a 1-0 defeat to reach their first final in ten years.

    Uruguay reached tournament final in 1997 and 2013, losing the championship matches to Argentina and France on those occasions,

    Target man Anderson Duarte scored Uruguay’s only goal of the first semifinal in the 61st minute from close range, one of the few opportunities either team had during the match.

    Israel goalkeeper Tomer Zarfati deflected a shot by Alan Matturro and it hit his left post, but Duarte was quicker than the Israeli defenders to put the ball in the back of the net.

    To reach the final, Uruguay finished its group in second place, and eliminated Gambia and the United States.

    Israel will play South Korea in the third place on Sunday, almost going the distance after an eventual first trip to the Under-20 World Cup.

  • Argentina 2023: Israel dump Brazil out of U-20 World Cup

    Argentina 2023: Israel dump Brazil out of U-20 World Cup

    Debutant Israel came from behind to defeat five-time champions Brazil 3-2 in their 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-final tie on Saturday night.

    A tightly contested encounter saw Israel come back from behind twice before grabbing the shock victory through Dor Turgeman’s brilliant solo strike. The Israelis will face either Uruguay or the United States in the semi-finals.

    Marcos Leonardo’s excellent strike with his weaker left foot put Brazil ahead at the start of the second, but Anan Khalaili equalized with the header of this tournament.

    After a scoreless first half at the Bicentenario stadium, Brazil, five-times winners of the tournament, broke through in the 56th minute on Marcos Leonardo’s superbly-taken, first-time left-foot shot.

    Anan Khalaili brought Israel level, rising at the back post to angle home a header from a pinpoint El Yam Kancepolski cross in the 60th minute, delighting a largely pro-Israel crowd in the stands.

    But Israel’s hopes dimmed just 20 seconds into extra time, when Andrey Santos set up Matheus Nascimento to restore Brazil’s lead.

    Just two minutes later, however, Hamza Shibli equalized, tapping in a low ball from Ilay Feingold at the back post to make it 2-2.

    The decisive goal came, near the end of the first period of extra-time, when Turgeman collected the ball on the edge of the box, jinked cleverly past two defenders and then fired past Kaique Pereira.

     

     

  • Nigeria vs South Korea: Flying Eagles arrive Santiago del Estero

    Nigeria vs South Korea: Flying Eagles arrive Santiago del Estero

    Nigeria’s inspired U20 boys have flown into the northern Argentine city of Santiago del Estero ahead of Sunday’s FIFA U20 World Cup quarter-final clash with their counterparts from Korea Republic.

    The Koreans on Thursday edged hard-fighting Ecuador 3-2 in their own Round of 16 encounter, to set up a much-anticipated last-eight tango with the two-time silver medallists.

    Seven-time African champions Nigeria have surged on the bookmakers’ ratings and are now regarded as favourites following Wednesday night’s commanding defeat of hosts and six-time champions Argentina in their Round of 16 encounter in San Juan.

    Isah Ladan Bosso, who was also head coach when the Flying Eagles reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada 16 years ago, told thenff.com on Thursday that his team has kept to the pre-tournament philosophy of dealing with one match at a time.

    “We are delighted to have executed a perfect game plan against Argentina. Our strategy and tactics worked out and the boys worked very hard. Now, we have to concentrate on what to expect from the Koreans. We have been watching their games at this championship and we have a good idea how to prepare for them.

    “Again, the boys must work hard and carry out our plan on match day. We have the playing personnel to do the job and I am positive we will cross the Korean hurdle.”

    In 2007 in Canada, Bosso’s wards defeated Costa Rica and Scotland and drew with Japan to reach the Round of 16, where they edged fellow Africans Zambia 2-1 in Ottawa to set up a quarter-final date with Chile in Montreal.

    That team, captained by Nduka Ozokwo, stood up to the Chileans for 90 minutes but collapsed in extra time under the covered arena of the Montreal Olympic Stadium. Bosso says he is aware of the quarter-final banana peel and will not stumble this time.

    “It is a new day, a new championship, a new city and a new team. Nigeria has been in the final of this same competition on two previous occasions. Our objective is to at least match that feat. Once we’re in the final, anything can happen.”

    Sunday’s quarter-final battle with the Koreans is scheduled for the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, from 6.30pm Nigeria time

  • Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles to play South Korea for Semi-final ticket

    Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles to play South Korea for Semi-final ticket

    South Korea defeated South American side Ecuador 3-2 to advance to set up a quarter-final clash with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the U-20 FIFA World Cup holding in Argentina.

    Lee-Young-Jun gave South Korea the lead inside  11th minute before Bae Jun-Ho made it 2-0 on 19 minutes, but the Ecuadorians pulled a goal back after Justin Cuero converted a penalty few minutes before the first half ended.

    Upon resumption of the second half, South Korea restored their two-goal advantage in the 48th minutes when forward, Choi Seok—Hyun lashed on to a loose ball and slotted home the goal.

    With six minutes left Sebastian Gonzalez scored for Ecuador to make it a nervy ending but the South Koreans held on to advance.

    Flying Eagles versus South Korea U-20 in History

    Both teams will be clashing for the third time ever at the U-20 level.

    They first met in the group stage in 2005 edition hosted in the Netherlands, where South Korea came from a goal down to beat the Flying Eagles 2-1.

    Again, they met at the group stage in 2013 but Flying Eagles won the game 1-0.

    Speaking after their qualification for the qurter-final, South Korea U20 manager Kim Eun-jung praised the Nigerian players for their physicality ahead of Sunday’s game, and stressed that they must be well prepared to stand a chance of beating the Flying Eagles.

    In quotes relayed by Chosun, Eun-jung stated: “When I watched the game against Argentina yesterday, the Nigerian team seemed to be very well prepared.  Players in all positions are physically outstanding and have flexibility. We will do the analysis properly.”

    He added: “We will prepare hard for the match against Nigeria, so please support us from afar. As an Asian team, Korea is the only team that maintains its pride, so I will prepare well for the next game and produce good results with a sense of responsibility and pride as an Asian.

    The Flying Eagles quarter-final clash with South Korea comes up on Sunday, June 4, inside the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero at 6:30pm.

  • Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles will not be intimidated by opposition and crowd – Bosso

    Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles will not be intimidated by opposition and crowd – Bosso

    Hosts and six-time champions Argentina will fancy being the favourites in their FIFA U20 World Cup Round of 16 duel with Nigeria in San Juan on Wednesday night, but Head Coach Ladan Bosso says his team will not be intimidated by the physicality of the opponents and the capacity crowd expected at the venue.

    The indigenes of the Land of Pampas barnstormed through their group stage, winning all their three matches against Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand, scoring 10 goals and conceding only one. They are already among the favourites for the title, by both pedigree and current form.

    Despite winning their first two matches, including beating early ravemakers Italy in commanding fashion, the Flying Eagles lost to Brazil 2-0 in La Plata on Saturday and some bookmakers think they stand no chance against the pumped-up home team.

    Bosso said on Tuesday, as his boys prepared for their official training session at match time (6pm Argentine time and 10pm Nigeria) that his Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallists will be ready to give as much as they receive in Wednesday’s encounter.

    “This is the World Cup and it is wrong to under-rate any team. We won two of our three matches and had the same number of points in our group as Brazil and Italy. We are no pushovers in this campaign.

    “It is going to be an interesting game. We want the quarter-final ticket and the Argentines also want the quarter-final ticket. We will go in there and dig our feet into the ground.”

  • Flying Eagles to play host Argentina for quarter-final ticket

    Flying Eagles to play host Argentina for quarter-final ticket

    Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been handed a tough draw in the round of 16 games at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in Argentina.

    Flying Eagles will take on hosts Argentina on Wednesday, May 31 at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario by 6pm.

    They were the best team outside the top two automatic qualifiers, but their impressive start at the World Cup has been rewarded by one of the toughest draws in the competition’s second round.

    The pairing was confirmed after the Flying Eagles finished as one of the third-best-placed teams.

    After opening their campaign with wins against Dominican Republic  (2-1) and Italy  (2-0), the Flying Eagles lost 2-0 to Brazil in their last Group D game on Saturday.

    Argentina finished top in Group A with nine points from three games.

    In their first game against Uzbekistan, Argentina won 2-1, beat Guatemala 3-0 before spanking New 5-0.

    It will be the first time Nigeria and Argentina play each other at U20 level in a competitive game since the 2005 final, where Lionel Messi scored two penalties to seal off a 2-1 win over Flying Eagles.

    Below is the FIFA U-20 Second Round fixtures

    Tuesday, 30th May 2023

    USA v New Zealand
    Uzbekistan v Israel

    Wednesday, 31st May 2023

    Colombia v Slovakia
    Brazil v Tunisia
    Argentina v Nigeria
    England v Italy

    Thursday, 1st June 2023

    Gambia v Uruguay
    Ecuador v South Korea

  • Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles taste defeat, lose 2-0 to Brazil

    Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles taste defeat, lose 2-0 to Brazil

    After coming out victorious in its first two games of the tournament, Nigeria’s flying Eagles bowed to the superior firepower of the Junior samba of Brazil by 2-0 in the final group D encounter in Argentina.

    Brazil proved to be too good following an easy 2-0 win over the Nigerian Flying Eagles in the final match of their group stages.

    Jean Pedroso and Arsenal star Marquinhos scored in the first half of the encounter and the two goals proved to be the match decider.

    Although, Ladan Bosso and his boys had already booked a spot in the knockout stage heading into the game against Brazil they were pegged down to third on the log on goal difference to both Brazil and Italy who also won two games each.

    The Flying Eagles were looking to maintain their 100% start in the competition which will see them finish top of Group D but met a an obstruction  in the former champions Brazil.

    The Nigerian side’s effort to pull a goal back proved abortive as they hit the woodwork on two occasions.

    Grpup D other opponent Italy defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 to go second on the log.

    Flying Eagles will know its second round opponent by tomorrow when other group games would have rounded up.

  • Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles receive $1000 each for defeating Italy 2-0

    Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles receive $1000 each for defeating Italy 2-0

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been given $1,000 each for their victory against Italy at the ongoing 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presented the bonus to the players on Friday night.

    The Flying Eagles defeated Italy 2-0 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza on Wednesday night to seal a place in the Round of 16.

    Forward, Emmanuel Umeh  also received an extra $100 for providing the assist that led to the opening goal.

    Ladan Bosso’s side will take on Brazil in their last group game on Saturday (today).

    The Brazilians need to win the game to guarantee their passage to the Round of 16.

  • Argentina 2023: We will keep our heads and go for victory against Brazil – Bosso

    Argentina 2023: We will keep our heads and go for victory against Brazil – Bosso

    Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, will work hard to sustain its winning mentality by taking the fight to Brazil in Saturday’s final match of Group D at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina.

    Head Coach Ladan Bosso on Friday expressed confidence that his charges can turn the table against the one team that has remained the Achilles heel of the seven-time African champions at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

    “Yes, we acknowledge that Brazil has always been a hard nut to crack for our team at this level. We have lost a number of matches to them over the decades, but there is always a first time. We are riding on a wave of robust confidence and though we do not under-rate them, we certainly do not fear them.

    “We have been able to fulfil our first objective for this championship: getting to the knockout stages. We will take it one match at a time from now onwards. We don’t want to take it easy and lose against Brazil; that will not be good for our winning mentality.”

    NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who is with the two-time World Cup silver medallists in Argentina, stated on Friday his belief that the Flying Eagles have the capacity to win and top their Group D.

    “Presently, Nigeria is the only team with six points in the group. Italy can beat Dominican Republic and also go to six points. So, with the minimum of a slight win or draw against Brazil, we will top the group. It is important to top the group and also to sustain our spirit of winning.”

    The 53,000 -capacity Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, close to Buenos Aires, is venue for the big clash as Brazil seek victory to be sure of a place in the last 16 while Nigeria only need a draw from the encounter to finish top of the pool.

    Brazil defeated the Flying Eagles 3-0 in Nigeria’s first participation at the FIFA U20 World Cup (then known as FIFA World Youth Championship) in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1983. The result was the only reason Nigeria, which had beaten the Soviet Union in her first match and subsequently drew 0-0 with The Netherlands, failed to make the knockout stage.

    Two years later, the Brazilians ran out 2-0 winners over Nigeria in the semi-finals, and went ahead to lift the trophy while the Flying Eagles defeated host Soviet Union on penalties to clinch the bronze medals.

    In 1987, in Chile, Brazil walloped the Flying Eagles 4-0 in their opening game and the Nigerians boys never recovered from the stunning defeat.

    However, both teams battled to a scoreless draw in their opening match of Group F at the 2005 finals in The Netherlands, with Nigeria finishing ahead of Brazil (silver medals as against Brazil’s bronze) at the end of the championship.