Two wins in the group stage have them in the knockout stage
Chile- The US Men Under 20 National Team was drawn in Group D to face New Caledonia, France, and South Africa to start their journey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their first two matches in the group stage saw destruction and a strong performance that gave them two wins and a ticket to the knockout stage with one match remaining.
Seven is a lucky number
In their group stage opener against New Caledonia of the Oceania Football Confederation, the USA handled their business by scoring seven goals in the opening 45 minutes. Ben Cremaschi scored a hat trick with his first two goals in two minutes, all point-blank shots.
Nolan Norris scored a brace nine minutes apart while Niko Tsakiris and Frankie Westfeld converted a goal each. That was a master class of scoring we haven’t seen in a long time, even if this was New Caledonia’s first foray into a World Cup of any age group, including the senior sides.
The second half was kinder
While the USA did add two more goals to their side of the ledger from Taha Broune and Cole Campbell, they did allow their opponents a consolation prize as their goalkeeper, Adam Beaudry, allowed New Caledonia their first World Cup goal in a Youth tournament on the world stage.
Victory over the French
In their second group stage match, the USA took on France, who were a better test than New Caledonia. They held their own, keeping the French off the scoreboard for over 80 minutes, until head coach Mark Mitrovic made his substitutions.
The USA scored three goals in seven minutes from the 85th minute all the way to the second minute of five of second half stoppage time. Luke Brennen crossed to Zavier Gozo, headed the ball for the first goal, then Gozo became the provider with a nice pass to Brooklyn Raines, and then slots it home for the second.
Marcos Zambrano converted the third goal when Gozo tried to score his second of the match, but the ball hit the crossbar and left a juicy rebound for Zambrano to smash it in. After five minutes of stoppage time had expired, the USA celebrated a nice win against one of Europe’s top nations in International Football.
Last Group Stage opponent
While the US Men’s U-20 National Team has already secured a spot in the Round of 16 in this World Cup, they will face South Africa in their final group stage match to end this stage on a high note. As South Africa defeated New Caledonia five goals to nil, the USA still has a Goal differential advantage at a +11, regardless of whether they lose their final match in Group D.
US Soccer News:
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