Tomorrow’s football stars arrive in Turkey for the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup this week. Historically, the tournament has launched the careers of some of the game’s greatest players, providing fans with a glimpse into the not-so distant future.
Below is a look at the field.
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France
Manager: Peter Mankowski
Player to watch: Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Schedule: Ghana (June 21), USA (June 24), Spain (June 27)
Prediction: Second in Group A
Synopsis: France has only qualified for this competition four times, which is somewhat surprising for a nation with its history and pedigree. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is definitely the most talented player on the roster. The squad travelling to Turkey is virtually unchanged from the one that clinched qualification at the 2012 UEFA European U-19 Championships, which lost to Spain in the semifinals. France is stacked with loads of individual talent, but results have proven unity is lacking.
Ghana
Manager: Sellas Tetteh
Player to watch: Ebenezer Assifuah (Liberty Professionals)
Schedule: France (June 21), Spain (June 24), USA (June 27)
Prediction: Fourth in Group A
Synopsis: Ghana remains the only African nation to win this tournament, beating Brazil in a penalty shootout in Cairo four years ago. Unfortunately, the Ghanaians were unable to defend their title in 2011 by failing to qualify. The squad is comprised of locally based players, most notably forward Ebenezer Assifuah, whose goals will be needed if Ghana expects to advance out of the group of death. Despite being drawn into the toughest group, Ghana is unbeaten against all three of their opponents in past World Cup fixtures.
USA
Manager: Tab Ramos
Player to watch: Cody Cropper (Southampton)
Schedule: Spain (June 21), France (June 24), Ghana (June 27)
Prediction: Third in Group A
Synopsis: The Americans are making their 13th appearance at the World Cup, and could very well be fielding one of their strongest sides ever. The squad is littered with up-and-coming talent such as goalkeeper Cody Cropper and midfielder Caleb Stanko. Offensively, Hector “Benji” Joya in midfield and Jose Villarreal up front pose a significant threat. But the U.S. is simply overmatched in this tough group. Any aspirations of participating in the second round will only be achieved by being one of the four best third-placed teams.
Spain
Manager: Albert Celades
Player to watch: Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona)
Schedule: USA (June 21), Ghana (June 24), France (June 27)
Prediction: First in Group A
Synopsis: At every age level, Spain implements the same style and has dominated world football. Eventually every opponent’s defensive scheme is breached by a relentless manipulation of the ball. It might be 14 years since La Rojita’s were last crowned champions at this level, but the current side lifted the UEFA European U-19 Championship last year. Spain is considered one of the favourites and at the very least expects to better their result from 2011 when it reached the final eight. Wide men Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona) and Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid) are the best prospects out of an extremely talented group that also includes Suso (Liverpool), Oliver (Atletico Madrid) and Paco Alcacer (Getafe).
Cuba
Manager: Raul Gonzalez
Player to watch: Arichell Hernandez
Schedule: Korea Republic (June 21), Nigeria (June 24), Portugal (June 27)
Prediction: Fourth in Group B
Synopsis: Cuba has made tremendous strides by getting this far, so anything more would be a bonus, but is not expected. Arichell Hernandez has incredible strength and speed, which has given the Cuban football program a significant boost and some of the spotlight in their baseball dominated society. But for all the positives, the glaring reality of inexperience will be too much to overcome.
South Korea
Manager: Lee Kwang-Jong
Player to watch: Lee Chang-Geun (Busan I’Park)
Schedule: Cuba (June 21), Portugal (June 24), Nigeria (June 27)
Prediction: Second in Group B
Synopsis: The Red Devils are the most successful side in Asia, earning their sixth consecutive U20 World Cup appearance, having made it past the group stage five times out of 12. More than half of the squad travelling to Turkey are University players, with the rest coming from the K-League. Koreans are not historically known to produce goalkeepers, but Lee Chang-Geun has proven his capabilities and will carry much of the responsibility.
Nigeria
Manager: John Obuh
Player to watch: Abdul Ajagun (Dolphins)
Schedule: Portugal (June 21), Cuba (June 24), Korea Republic (June 27)
Prediction: Third in Group B
Synopsis: The Flying Eagles are making their fifth consecutive appearance at the showpiece event of global youth football, managing to make it past the group phase in each. The likelihood of a trophy raise in Istanbul is overly ambitious, though, given the quality in this year’s tournament. A positive result against Portugal in the opener is ideal, but Nigeria is a notoriously slow-starter. Should this trend continue, the chances of clinching a spot in the next round for a sixth successive time will hinge on the Flying Eagles’ final group match against the Koreans.
Portugal
Manager: Edgar Borges
Player to watch: Bruma (Sporting Lisbon)
Schedule: Nigeria (June 21), Korea Republic (June 24), Cuba (June 27)
Prediction: First in Group A
Synopsis: Having lost the final in extra time to Brazil in 2011, Edgar Borges’ is hoping to do one better and give Portugal their first winners medal in a decade at any level, the last coming at the U-17 European Championships in 2003. Portugal arrives in Turkey as one of the favourites, highlighted by a merciless attack. Sporting Lisbon prodigy Bruma and teammate Tiago Ilori, who is being targeted by Liverpool, are just a sample of the quality rising through the youth ranks. This could be their year.
Turkey
Manager: Feyyaz Ucar
Player to watch: Kerim Frei (Fulham)
Schedule: El Salvador (June 22), Colombia (June 25), Australia (June 28)
Prediction: Second in Group C
Synopsis: Never underestimate the advantage of playing at home. Turkey may have gained entry as hosts, but the country has gained a reputation for the sheer terror bestowed upon every visiting team at both club and international levels. The Turks have proven to be late bloomers of sorts at youth levels. However, being drawn into one of the tournament’s weaker groups has elevated their chances at providing the country with an extended run. A more unified approach must be implemented and quickly grasped by its players for Turkey to seize the moment presented. Maximum points in their opener is extremely important.
El Salvador
Manager: Mauricio Alfaro
Player to watch: Jairo Henriquez (FESA)
Schedule: Turkey (June 22), Australia (June 25), Colombia (June 28)
Prediction: Fourth in Group C
Synopsis: Qualification was surprisingly achieved through a third place finish at the CONCACAF championships in Mexico. La Selecta achieved the feat through the watchful eye of Mauricio Alfaro, a member of El Salvador’s 1982 World Cup side. The quality of the opposition is of a higher standard in Turkey. Victories over Curaçao, Panama and Cuba may have paved the way for this inaugural appearance, but a 2-0 loss to Mexico in the semis gives a better description of what El Salvador will be up against. A quick plane ride home is expected.
Colombia
Manager: Carlos Restrepo
Player to watch: Juan Quintero (Genoa)
Schedule: Australia (June 22), Turkey (June 25), El Salvador (June28)
Prediction: First in Group C
Synopsis: The South American champions could be considered a dark horse heading into the tournament, despite this being the first time in eight years that Colombia earned qualification the hard way. Los Cafeteros possess a tremendous amount of depth, and have the unique ability to produce goals from just about every position on the field. Colombia scored 16 goals in qualifying, split up among six different players, most notably five from midfielder Juan Quintero and four by forward Jhon Cordoba. The Colombians are also a tight defensive unit that averaged to concede under a goal-a-game, with highly-rated goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla producing five clean-sheets. More recently, defeat to Brazil in the prestigious Toulon youth tournament final provided another glimpse as to why Colombia should be considered a very real threat.
Australia
Manager: Paul Okon
Player to watch: Curtis Good (Newcastle United)
Schedule: Colombia (June 22), El Salvador (June 25), Turkey (June 28)
Prediction: Third in Group C
Synopsis: Despite only missing the tournament once (2007) in 24 years, Australia has not made it past the group phase since a second round defeat to hosts UAE back in 2003. The biggest problem facing Australia is their greatest weapon, striker Corey Gameiro. The former Fulham reservist scored all six of the Aussies’ goals in qualifying, which doesn’t bode well as a collective. If he’s left isolated and tightly marked, Australia is in trouble. Should they avoid defeat in the opener, it should set up an intense final match versus the hosts for a possible spot in the next round.
Mexico
Manager: Sergio Almaguer
Player to watch: Marco Bueno (CF Pachuca)
Schedule: Greece (June 22), Paraguay (June 25), Mali (June 28)
Prediction: First in Group D
Synopsis: Mexico won the U-17 World Cup in 2011, and a large chunk of the players from that squad will be in Turkey. Mexico won a record 12th CONCACAF Championship on home soil in Pubela earlier this year. Development has been a top priority in the last decade, which was made more evident after their gold medal victory over favourites Brazil at the London Olympics. Although the senior side is currently struggling, the future for Mexico is brighter than ever before. Jesus Corona and Marco Bueno are just two Mexican prospects that will come into greater focus.
Greece
Manager: Kostas Tsanas
Player to watch: Stefano Kapino (Panathinaikos)
Schedule: Mexico (June 22), Mali (June 25), Paraguay (June 28)
Prediction: Second in Group D
Synopsis: The Greeks surprised everyone by reaching the UEFA U-19 Championship final last year, beating Portugal to earn a place in the semis and with it qualification for this tournament. Despite being debutants, the Greeks have a solid core of players that have been together for quite a while. Similar to the senior side, Greece is all about teamwork and void of individuality – it’s by far their greatest weapon. Success will be based on a defensive strategy, and as expected hitting back on the counterattack. Most of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of goalkeeper Stefano Kapino, who made his debut for the national team at 17 at the end of 2011, having risen through the youth set-up.
Paraguay
Manager: Victor Genes
Player to watch: Derlis Gonzalez (Benfica)
Schedule: Mali (June 22), Mexico (June 25), Greece (June 28)
Prediction: Third in Group D
Synopsis: Paraguay was a no-show in Colombia in 2011, and despite an inconsistent start, it narrowly made it out of the opening round of South America qualification with a massive victory over Bolivia to clinch third spot in a group that included Chile, Colombia and Argentina. An awakening of sorts took place in the final group phase, as the Paraguayans finished second to earn their place in Turkey. Victor Genes counts on a strong attack, collecting 16 goals (joint-top with Colombia) in their nine qualifying matches, with striker Derlis Gonzalez scoring four.
Mali
Manager: Moussa Keita
Player to watch: Tiecero Keita (Guingamp)
Schedule: Paraguay (June 22), Greece (June 25), Mexico (June 28)
Prediction: Fourth in Group D
Synopsis: Zero wins, zero goals and six conceded. The stat line from two years ago in Colombia leaves plenty of room for improvement. Plenty of positives were taken from their fourth-place performance at the African qualifiers earlier this year. Moussa Keita expects to build off that achievement, and is confident his players will produce on the world stage.
Chile
Manager: Mario Salas
Player to watch: Nicolas Castillo (Universidad Catolica)
Schedule: Egypt (June 23), England (June 26), Iraq (June 29)
Prediction: First in Group E
Synopsis: It’s been six years since Chile last competed in the tournament where they achieved their best finish, finishing third in Canada. Unfortunately, all the positives gained never materialized into consistency at this level, despite a strong start to the recent South American qualifying, topping the initial group phase. Results went south fast once into the final round, as Chile barely needed to avoid defeat in their final match against Peru. Bryan Robello scored a first-half equalizer and Mario Salas’ men held on after surrendering an early lead. You never know which team will show up, and Chile have proven to crack under pressure.
Egypt
Manager: Rabie Yassin
Player to watch: Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka’ (Rio Ave)
Schedule: Chile (June 23), Iraq (June 26), England (June 29)
Prediction: Third in Group E
Synopsis: The Young Pharaohs have only failed twice to make it past the group phase (1991, 2005), though they have stumbled at the same hurdle (Round of 16) in 2011 and on home soil two years previous. Egypt’s strength comes from the defensive end, having only conceded two goals in qualifying earlier this year. The hero of the competition was goalkeeper Mossad Awad, posting three clean-sheets in five matches. One area of concern is the lack of goal production, as Egypt struggles to convert opportunities created. It might not be a problem in this group, as it seems to be defensive-oriented. However, you can’t win without scoring goals.
England
Manager: Peter Taylor
Player to watch: Ross Barkley (Everton)
Schedule: Iraq (June 23), Chile (June 26), Egypt (June 29)
Prediction: Second in Group E
Synopsis: For all the talent and expectations associated with English football, the continued trend of failure at practically every level has become an ongoing joke. England bowed out in the second round to Nigeria two years ago — not that they deserved anything more, having produced three goalless draws to earn one of four third place entry’s into the knockout round. Peter Taylor has taken charge on a temporary basis, and will look to a trio of players (Ross Barkley, John Lundstram and Michael Kane) from the U-19 squad to provide leadership. England must set the tone with a victory against Iraq in the opener, as it will go a long way in giving a glimpse of what to expect.
Iraq
Manager: Hakim Shakir
Player to watch: Mohannad Abdul-Raheem (Duhok)
Schedule: England (June 23), Egypt (June 26), Chile (June 29)
Prediction: Fourth in Group E
Synopsis: Never underestimate the perseverance and determination of Iraqis to battle through adversity. Despite all of Iraq’s set-backs and disadvantages, football has provided the people with an outlet from the struggles of everyday life in the country. Hakim Shakir guided Iraq to an impressive and unexpected run to the final of the U-19 Asian Championships. Always the underdogs, opponents mustn’t overlook Iraq, or risk embarrassment through a potent attacking prowess. However, the challenge of progressing out of this group might be a bit too optimistic.
New Zealand
Manager: Chris Milicich
Player to watch: Louis Fenton (Wellington Phoenix)
Schedule: Uzbekistan (June 23), Uruguay (June 26), Croatia (June 29)
Prediction: Fourth in Group F
Synopsis: The Junior All Whites are relative newbies on the scene, having only qualified for the tournament twice before (2007 and 2011). Both results produced early exits in the group phase, debuting with three straight defeats. The issue has always been a lack of competitive opposition, which has hindered progress on the world stage. New Zealand has won back-to-back OFC U-20 Championships (2011, 2013), winning all eight of their matches, scoring 35 goals and conceding only three. There is only so much you can learn from thrashing minnows Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Uzbekistan
Player to watch: Igor Sergeev (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK)
Schedule: New Zealand (June 23), Croatia (June 26), Uruguay (June 29)
Prediction: Third in Group F
Synopsis: A massive upheaval of the country’s youth development system has brought with it steady progress at every level, escalating rapidly in the last four years. Uzbekistan is still fairly new on the international scene, having only gained FIFA status in 1994. The White Wolves were quite impressive in qualifying, winning a group that contained the defending Asian champions North Korea. The young Uzbeks should be proud of their recent performances, averaging over two goals-a-game, with forward Igor Sergeev scoring seven times to win the golden boot of the tournament.
Uruguay
Manager: Juan Verzeri
Player to watch: Nicolas Lopez (AS Roma)
Schedule: Croatia (June 23), New Zealand (June 26), Uzbekistan (June 29)
Prediction: First in Group F
Synopsis: Uruguay is considered one of the favourites heading into Turkey. Uruguay has only failed to get out of the group stage twice in 12 appearances. An inconsistent qualification phase has led many to question Uruguay’s status in the tournament, barely doing enough to edge past Ecuador 1-0 on the final day. Similar to the senior squad, the youth team relies on a heavily offensive-minded plan of attack, and pay little attention to the defensive aspect of football. Nicolas Lopez scored six goals to win the golden boot in qualification, with teammate Diego Rolan adding another four. In total, Juan Verzeri’s side shipped in 15 goals in nine games but conceded 12. Greater attention must be made on the defensive end if Uruguay expects to be crowned champions.
Croatia
Manager: Dinko Jelicic
Player to watch: Marko Pjaca (NK Lokomotiva)
Schedule: Uruguay (June 23), Uzbekistan (June 26), New Zealand (June 29)
Prediction: Second in Group F
Synopsis: With a solid defensive core, the Croats are full of potential and arrive in Turkey absent of any real pressure. Still, Croatia is nowhere near the finished product and really isn’t expected to be in the mix. Qualification was clinched after a thrilling 3-0 victory over rivals Serbia on their final group game, making this their third appearance at the World Cup. Right out of the gate, Dinko Jelicic’s side will be put to the test against high-scoring Uruguay.
KNOCKOUT ROUND
Round of 16: France def. Turkey; Mexico def. Nigeria; Portugal def. Australia; Uruguay def. England; Greece def. Chile; Colombia def. Uzbekistan; Spain def. Egypt; Croatia def. Korea Republic
Quarter-finals: Mexico def. Uruguay; Portugal def. France; Spain def. Croatia; Colombia def. Greece
Semifinals: Mexico def. Colombia; Portugal def. Spain
3rd Place: Spain def. Colombia
Final: Mexico def. Portugal
Golden Boot: Gerard Deulofeu (Spain)