The group stage of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile has come to an end, and the stage is now set for an action packed Round of 16. After two weeks of intense football, dramatic goals, and late drama across various host cities, the knockout phase begins this week, promising even more fireworks as the road to glory continues.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the last 16 after holding Colombia to a 1-1 draw in Talca. Captain Daniel Bameyi’s late penalty secured the crucial point that ensured qualification for Aliyu Zubairu’s team, who finished with four points from three matches. The result means Nigeria will now face one of the tournament’s most decorated nations, Argentina, in a mouthwatering showdown that recalls past U20 World Cup classics between the two sides.
Elsewhere, Norway also sealed qualification following a 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia. The Scandinavians will take on Paraguay in the knockout stage, while group winners Colombia are set to meet South Africa, another African side that impressed in the group phase.
Spain and France, both seen as tournament favorites, topped their groups and will face tricky assignments. Spain go head to head with Ukraine, while France take on Japan in what could be one of the standout matches of the round. Meanwhile, the United States face Italy in a clash between two footballing powerhouses, and Morocco will lock horns with South Korea in what promises to be a tightly contested tie.
The Round of 16 fixtures will be played across four days, from Tuesday through Friday, and each game is a straight knockout with extra time and penalties to decide the winner if needed.
Full Round of 16 fixtures:
- Ukraine vs Spain
- Chile vs Mexico
- Colombia vs South Africa
- Argentina vs Nigeria
- Paraguay vs Norway
- Japan vs France
- USA vs Italy
- Morocco vs South Korea
With big names like Argentina, Spain, France, and Italy in the mix, alongside rising sides such as Nigeria, Japan, and Morocco, the knockout stage is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see who keeps their World Cup dreams alive and who falls at the first hurdle of the knockouts.
The countdown is on, and the FIFA U20 World Cup Round of 16 promises nothing short of drama, passion, and unforgettable football.
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