France conquers Uruguay to win FIFA U-20 World Cup

What was initially thought as a Thauvin-centered match came out a little inaccurate after France won over Uruguay in the hands of team captain Paul Pogba (voted best player by FIFA) and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola who successfully saved La Celeste’s first two penalties―from Emiliano Velazquez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta―before Dimitri Foulquier converted the fourth for France, giving the Les Bleuets an overwhelming lead in the FIFA U-20 Final on July 13.

Les Bleuets, FIFA U-20 Final winners | Image source: scmp.com

The rhythm of victory cascaded for the French, amidst a jubilant crowd of supporters waving their favorite team’s flag. Blissful Pogba lifted his side’s trophy and chanted a resounding “this is the World Cup, the World Cup, the World Cup” to boast of a new landmark for his beloved team.

On one hand, France is the sixth European squad to champion the tournament (Spain was the last one to hold the prestige in 1999). On the other hand, Uruguay had to painfully embrace its second defeat in a final after losing to Argentina in 1997.

Pogba led the midfield while strikers Yaya Sanogo, Florian Thauvin, and Jean-Christophe Bahebeck scored nine goals to baptize the French brand as the second-highest scoring team of the tournament with 15 goals in seven matches―one goal short of Ghana, which subdued Iraq, 3-0, earlier to finish in the third spot.

The European side conceded only two goals in the knockout round and kept a clean sheet in the final in spite of Samuel Umtiti―who was sent off for a second booking against Ghana―having been removed from the powerhouse roster.

France earned the U-20 World Cup after posting a draw with Uruguay, 0-0, but later sealed penalty shootout in extra time, 4-1.

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Thauvin Redeems Himself, Brings France To U-20 Finals

France is just a match away from being the next European title holders of FIFA Under-20 World Cup tournament after clinching a 2-1 victory over the brave Ghana.

Florian Thauvin, Bastia’s midfielder, turned into an overnight hero after scoring Les Bleuets’ two (2) important goals. Amidst the Black Satellites’ aggressive play, Thauvin netted his first goal several minutes before half-time and on the 74th, Thauvin ended Ghana’s U-20 campaign.

Despite of losing the match, Ghana refused to wave the white flag. Immediately after Thauvin took the lead for France, Ebenezer Assifuah delivered the equalizer. Despite of Geoffrey Kondogbia’s strong defence, Assifuah’s left-footed shot was unstoppable. However, Ghana failed to keep the momentum on the second half. The Black Satellites had several attempts, but to no avail and by the 80th, Samuel Umtiti received a red card and left the field.

A blessing in disguise
Thauvin admitted his “self-doubt” during the tournament. France’s new hero had his share of shortcomings at the onset of the competition. In their first encounter against Ghana, Thauvin had a minor agreement with Pogba that sent him off the field. When they faced USA, his dribbling attempts went too far that Pierre Mankowski needed to pull him out.

But these (blunders) no longer matter. Thauvin redeemed himself with class and style. France is going to the final and it could be the next European team to lift one of the most coveted silverware in football history.



Photo Credit: Spox

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FIFA U-20 World Cup Final: France aiming conquest against Uruguay

Fresh from winning their glories in the FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinals, Uruguay and France are now preparing to arm razor-sharp drills to seize the coveted win on July 13 at the Ali Sami Yan Arena in Istanbul, Turkey.

France | Image source: fifa.com

Revered as a tournament favorite by match supporters, Les Bleuets (France) advanced to the final after making their finishing count against a spirited Ghanaian side. La Celeste (Uruguay), meanwhile, came with tight margins with Iraq to post a draw match but was later able to secure an astonishing score on penalties—which has been 28 years since a FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-final produced a winner based on such decision.

At this stage of the competition, Uruguayans have more experience than their European opponents, having reached the final in 1997 to get past Ghana in extra time. In addition, the South American side figured in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011. The French team is nevertheless a strong contender. The squad’s close-knit nature is one of its strengths, not to mention that attacking midfielder Florian Thauvin—who is noted for his supreme skill—is under its belt. This is the first time ever that France was qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup final.

A tough opening game for the two sides is highly plausible. Both teams have their own performance fluctuations in their past matches. France has high reputation but recently failed to live up to that status, having been eliminated at the group stage at Euro 2008 and recently got beaten by China. Uruguay was able to bag a place in the South American qualifying section, but was one of the last qualifiers to do so.

Although France has had a streak of misfiring attacks, it could still make fiery performances in the finals. It is not as experienced as Uruguay, but it clearly has the better talents.

Predicted winner: France

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