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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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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FIFA U-20 World Cup Semifinal: Uruguay triumphs over Iraq

Scoring the equalizer in the 87th minute to draw with Iraq 1-1, Uruguay won the penalty shootout 7-6 to reach the final of the U-20 World Cup.

Uruguay | Image source: fifa.com

Uruguay’s triumphant bagging of their semifinal fixture in the FIFA U-20 World Cup was prompted by Iraqi left-back Ali Adnan who unleashed a powerful free-kick to open the scoring. Uruguay substitutes Diego Bueno and Felipe Avenatti, however, were able to net an 88th-minute equalizer for their side, pushing the match beyond 90 minutes before eventually heading into penalties. Saif Salman’s missed penalty was the match’s deciding factor.

Hakeem Al Azzawi’s team started the match with flying colors, boasting of impressive interplays to destroy Uruguay’s defense. But La Celeste also managed to deliver good opening exchanges, with top scorer Nicolas Lopez getting in behind the defense.

Iraqi players may have produced impressive drills during the spot kicks, but their South American opponents were not aiming for a retreat. Uruguay is now headed for their second U-20 World Cup final this Sunday—16 years after they first advanced to that round!

This would be the first time that Iraq will miss the chance to compete in the final of a FIFA tournament.

Earlier, France routed Ghana 2-1 in the first semifinal.

Summary

Iraq Starting XI: Hameed; Adnan, Faez, Nadhim, Jabbar Arebat; Salman, Kamil, Tareq; Qasim, Abdulraheem, Farhan Shakor

Scorer: Adnan (35’)

Uruguay Starting XI: Amores; Silva, Varela, Gimenez, Rodriguez; Pais, Cristoforo, Gino; Arrascaeta, Laxalt, Lopez

Scorer: Bueno (88’)

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2013 Confederations Cup Battle For Third Match Preview: Uruguay Vs. Italy

Venue: Salvador
Date:  30 June 2013

The Verdict:  Italy finishes 3rd in Confeds Cup (2-1)

Cesar Prandelli shall enter Salvador with high hopes that Gli Azurri will finish third in the 2013 Confederations. And why not? The squad forced the Spaniards into a 120-minute match that ended in a 7-6 penalty score in favor of La Roja.

Although it could have secured a spot in the final, what is more important to Prandelli is his team’s ability to “compete with the best,” and this explains why the Italians have higher winning possibilities than Uruguay.

Prandelli is expected to use the 3-4-2-1 formation, which pressed the Spaniards, but opened plenty of opportunities for them. Italy might take advantage of it to stop unprecedented attacks from Forlan and Cavani. The formation’s weakness, however, is the absence of a powerful striker to complete a strong finish.

With this regard, Alberto Gilardino must step up his game. The latter was Prandelli’s choice to substitute for Mario Balotelli when he was injured during the encounter against Brazil. Gilardino has the experience, knowing that he once held the trophy for Italy in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Yet, in the event where he fails to rise in the occasion, Prandelli will still have Sebastian Giovinco and of course, Stephan El Shaarawy to secure the goals for them.  

Other than Gianluigi Buffon is another veteran that Gli Azurri brings during the Uruguay encounter. With a World Cup title and experience to boot, he is definitely, one of the best goal keepers to depend on, most especially during penalties and free kicks. However, Prandelli might have second doubts on whether Bonucci should take a shot again.

There is no question why Italy is the heavy favorite in the match. The squad put up a great show against Spain that exemplifies not only its potential to grab Confederations Cup title, but also another World Cup trophy.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Paulinho Brings Brazil To Confed Cup Finals

Brazil advances to the finals with Paulinho scoring the heroic goal on the 86th. The down the wire match ended with a 2-1 victory in favor of the Selecaos.

Sealed with a seemingly sarcastic kiss meant for La Celeste’s Alvaro Gonzalez, Neymar did the honors of throwing a free kick after Brazil earned a corner. With all precision and might, Paulinho defied the Uruguayan defence and converted.

The Brazilians took an early lead in the match. Paulinho’s through ball landed on the genius Neymar, but the determined Fernando Muslera denied the latter. Unfortunately for Muslera, the ball ended right in front of Fred, who took the winning shot and left the Uruguayans trailing.

La Celeste had their chance in the 14th minute. A foul fished by Diego Lugano sent Diego Forlan into the penalty. It could have been a sweet giveaway if not for Julio Cesar, who denied Forlan’s attempt.

Nevertheless, Uruguay was still, able to secure the equalizer. As the Selecaos’ defence crumbled, Edinson Cavani took advantage of the field ruckus and ensured that his low-footed shot touches the net.

Not wanting to disappoint the crowd, Scolari responded with substitutions. Bernard entered for Hulk while Hernanes replaced Oscar. The move gave Brazil the attacking strength that eventually turned the tables around.

With twenty (20) years of rivalry, Uruguay once again, failed to topple Brazil in the tournament.

Brazil heads toward Rio De Janeiro to wait for the winner in the Spain-Italy match. On the other hand, Uruguay shall have its bid for the third place battle in Salvador. 

Photo Credits: Zimbio

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Uruguay (Semi-Finals)

The verdict of the FIFA gods is out: Brazil and Uruguay will face off for the first semi-finals match of the 2013 Confederations Cup. (The second semi-finals match will take place on June 27, local time, between Spain and Italy.)

Of the four semi-finalists, Uruguay is the team most likely to land in fourth place. It can be argued that the only reason coach Oscar Tabarez’s team made it this far is their clobbering of Tahiti 8-0, which isn’t saying much considering the Oceanic team’s record. To their credit, they were able to keep the dominant Spaniards at 2-1 even though they lost, which means that Brazil would be wise not to let their guard down on June 26 (local time).  

As for Brazil, they pretty much have a sure spot in the finals. The way their players move the ball around the court is beautiful to watch. Also, as seen in their last match against Italy, they have a knack for neutralizing saves from the opposing team’s goalkeeper. And they have Neymar, who just scored in three straight Confederations Cup matches and is set to join FC Barcelona.

Whoever wins in the other semi-finals match will determine whether Brazil will have their third straight Confederations Cup. If Italy wins, Brazil can quickly dispatch Gli Azzurri without much trouble like they did last time. If Spain will be their opponent, the June 30 match in Rio De Janeiro will be the epic match to end all epic matches. 

Prediction: Brazil wins

Photo credit: Fotos Gov/Ba (Neymar) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Uruguay Eliminates Tahiti 8-0, Lands Semi-Finals Spot

Uruguay secured itself a slot in the semi-finals after railroading Tahiti 8-0 today. 

It was the third straight loss for the 2012 OFC Nations Cup winners, who will go home as the bottom-ranked team in Group B and the entire competition. Tahiti had previously lost to Nigeria 1-6 and Spain 0-10.

Of Uruguay’s eight goals, four were made by Abel Hernandez. The 22-year-old striker wasted no time as he struck a Nicolas Lodeiro corner within the first two minutes of the game. Around twenty minutes later, Hernandez got past Gilbert Meriel’s defense for Uruguay’s second goal, and Diego Perez chipped in the third goal not long afterwards. By the 45^th minute, Hernandez made Uruguay’s fourth goal.

Lodeiro made a shot at close range within the first 10 minutes of the second half. At the 67^th minute mark, Hernandez took advantage of a penalty to make his fourth and final goal for the match. Substitute Luis Suarez rounded up Uruguay’s goals in the 81^st and 89^th minutes.

For Tahiti, the large gap in experience between them and the other teams was their undoing. “The hard reality is that there is an abyss between professional football and our amateurs,” laments Tahiti manager Eddy Etaeta. “But in spite of the losses and the goals we kept playing fairly and I must thank my players who were wonderful.”

Uruguay will battle Brazil on June 26 in Belo Horizonte. Should Uruguay win that match, they will go against either Spain or Italy on June 30 for the finals.

 Photo credit: Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Forlan Marks 100th Cap As Uruguay Win Against Nigeria

Diego Forlan celebrated his 100th cap with style as he clinched Uruguay’s 2-1 victory against Nigeria at Arena Fonte Nova.

Forlan snatched the lead when he converted a cross from Edinson Cavani during the 51st minute. Yet, more important than the triumph is the fact that Forlan is now joining Italy’s Andrea Pirlo in the list of players who have had 100 caps.

After a disappointing defeat against Spain, La Celeste is now pitted to advance in the Confederations Cup.

The Super Eagles had several attempts to force a draw. But their efforts remained futile. Stephen Keshi and his men was unable to retain the momentum they had during the Tahiti encounter.

Uruguay’s full control showed early on the match. Diego Lugano finished Cavani’s failed backheel to get the upper-hand in the 19th minute.

Nigeria answered quickly when John Obi Mikel scored on the 37th. Unfortunately, the Super Eagles failed to recover when Forlan scored the deciding shot.

La Celeste’s recent win makes them a strong contender to join Spain in the semis. The latter had already secured a record-breaking win (10-0) against Tahiti.

As for Nigeria, Stephen Keshi and his squad has no other option but to beat the incumbent World Cup champion, should they wish to remain in the tournament. Certainly, it will be an uphill battle for the Super Eagles. Spain benefitted from the 10-0 win and only needs a point to advance. Should they (Nigeria) lose, this will end their Confederations Cup stint in Brazil.

While Nigeria is in deep trouble for facing Spain, Uruguay can relax a bit. The latter will go against the crowd-favorite, Tahiti.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Spain Topples Uruguay, Takes An Early Lead In The Group Stage

Spain is off to an early start in their 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup when they snatched a 2-1 victory against Uruguay. 

The exciting battle in Recife might serve as a premonition to what Spain plans to achieve in the tournament. The match saw La Furia Roja dominate. Fabregas had his early attempt, but to no avail. However, Pedro’s right-footed shot sealed the first goal of the match. Unfortunately for La Celeste, the Spaniards are in the mood to score.

On the 30th minute, Soldado converted a through ball from Fabregas that left Uruguay trailing. Tabarez and his men rallied for an equalizer. Yet, the shot came late. On the 88th minute Uruguay finally hit the net, thanks to Suarez’s precise free kick. With only 2 minutes left, it was evident that time was in favor of the Spaniards.

Despite of losing to Spain, Uruguay’s head honcho saw the squad’s improvement during the match. Oscar Tabarez admitted that the result was “catastrophic,” yet, Uruguay’s evident progress was enough to salvage its “professional image.” It can be remembered that La Celeste previously lost their 2010 World Cup bid after a 1-0 loss against Switzerland in the group stage.

As for La Furia Roja, the win puts them on the top spot of Group B. Spain’s big boss, Vicente del Bosque described their triumph as their ticket to the semi-finals. Bosque, however, admitted that the match’s last minutes kept him on his toes.

Described as a preview to the World Cup, the Confederations Cup shows how a squad will most likely perform in the most awaited sporting event.



Photo Credits: Zimbio

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2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Preview: Nigeria vs. Uruguay

In the Uruguay vs. Nigeria match on June 21 (June 20, 16:00 Salvador time), we’ll see veteran experience battle it out with youthful energy.

Uruguay is still smarting from its 1-2 loss against Spain, but it may have a better chance of winning against Nigeria. Going against football behemoths can teach your team a thing or two about playing high-intensity football, after all.

The South American football club has excellent strikers in Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. Nigeria, meanwhile, has formidable midfielders John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi. If the teams’ respective coaches utilize these players to their fullest potential, this underrated match can prove to be one of the most exciting to watch.

While we’re on the subject of coaches, Oscar Tabarez of Uruguay and Stephen Keshi of Nigeria deserve spots in the limelight, too. Tabarez likes to use the 4-4-1-1 formation, but he occasionally shifts towards 3-5-2, 4-4-2, and 4-3-3; likewise, Keshi’s 4-3-3 system for his players isn’t likely to change soon, considering how Nigeria fared with it.

In terms of overall strengths and weaknesses, Uruguay has the advantage of experience, while Nigeria has the advantage of youth. Eight of the Uruguayans are at least 30 years old, so despite their decreased mobility on the field, they can serve as guides to the other players. On the flip side, Nigeria may have younger and more energetic players, but their relative inexperience could work against them.

This match may be what Uruguay needs to boost the ego that Spain bruised—or not.  

Photo credit: Football.ua [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons 

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Spain vs. Uruguay

Despite winning the Copa America 15 times, Uruguay still has most of the odds stacked against it in the match versus Spain this coming June 16.

For one, the country is going up against the reigning 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro Cup champions. Spain has been dominating world football ever since they took the 2008 Euro Cup.

Uruguay also currently ranks sixth in its qualifying group, which is a precarious position behind the likes of Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela. Even if a miracle happens and Uruguay somehow defeats Spain this Sunday, it would still have to keep up its winning streak for four more games. In contrast, Spain has it easy as it is leading its group, and is just flushed with its 0-1 victory over France.

Lastly, as far as Spain is concerned, Uruguay has yet to win against them. The former clobbered the latter with a 3-1 win in their last meeting earlier this year. Given that the February 6 match was a friendly, it’s still pretty telling about how the Uruguayans would fare against the Spaniards.

To be fair, Uruguay does have Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez in its roster. If Cavani and Suarez fire up their goal-scoring abilities on Sunday, they might at least save their country from a humiliating loss.

Meanwhile, Spain can rest assured that the likes of Andres Iniesta, Juan Mata, Sergio Ramos, Fernando Torres, and Xavi will carry the team smoothly all the way to the World Cup—and maybe down to the finals as well. 

Photo credit: Jimmy Baikovicius on Flickr

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