2023 U20 World Cup

Thread for the ongoing U20 world cup. Originally meant to be held in Indonesia, they were stripped of the privilege after they refused to allow Israel to play, and is now held in Argentina .

So far the highlight has been Italy 3 - 2 Brazil.

U20 World Cup, U21 Euros all in the same summer, damn who even is playing in this competition that we know of

Not a lot. The European clubs generally did not let their young talent leave at the end of the season.

From Argentina, some players to keep an eye on. Fede Redondo is the son of the Real legend and playing in the same position. Luka Romero is trying to channel his inner Messi. Maestro Puch looks like a reliable 9 and has a lit name.

Argentina have a potential new golden generation incoming

From Italy there is Casadei, a youth star sold for big money to Chelsea from Inter (for which they won't be investigated...). He has 4 goals already as a B2B.

Baldanzi is a great talent too, supposed to go to Milan to replace Brahim last I heard, attacking midfielder.

The last one of the more well known players is Pafundi. He must be the youngest of the group, yet was called by Mancini to a training cap and debuted with the senior NT.

More goals from Casadei and Baldanzi to eliminate England. Two really nice goals from both teams in that match.

With Nigeria beating Argentina and Brazil smashing Tunisia, the three teams that got 6 points in the same group have all a good chance to go to the semi-finals, talk about group of death.

Annnd we are done. Which considering we entered through the back door and failed to qualify is fair enough.

Sad the dream of a all south American semis is done though

UEFA and FIFA have to force clubs to release players for official national tournaments in the summer.  Right now, clubs can refuse in France other than the senior team.

In France, players aren't allowed to play in the Olympics (Mbappe was blocked), let alone a U20 tournament.  We qualified with the A team... but showed up with the C or D team to this tournament.

It's a travesty imo.  The season is over.  Let the kids play for their country in a pressure situation.   Yes, they could get injured.  But that's part of the game.

BarrileteCosmico wrote:Annnd we are done. Which considering we entered through the back door and failed to qualify is fair enough.

Sad the dream of a all south American semis is done though

All south American semis becomes any south American in the semis

2 assists and a goal from Baldanzi and another goal and assist for Casadei. These two are exploding.

I'm guessing Chelsea will loan Casadei again for playing time. Baldanzi will he a catch in the Sumner.

kept half of my eye on Israel v Brazil game last night... Brazil don't have ballers anymore

Uru and Italy likely to be finalists. Would make for an exciting match.

After Uruguay's win:

World champion Argentina (beating France)
Intercontinental champion Argentina (beating Italy)
Olympic champion Brazil (beating Spain)
World u20 champion Uruguay (beating Italy)
World u17 champion Brazil

Mbappe: "Football is not as advanced as it is in Europe"