Group F
Argentina 1-0 Mexico
Argentina got off to a strong start in U20 World Cup Group F as they earned a 1-0 victory over Mexico. New Roma signing Erik Lamela had an outstanding match and after 70 minutes scored the only goal of the game, a low drive after a brilliant solo run.
The South Americans came close to doubling their advantage shortly thereafter, but soon withdrew into a conservative, possession-based game plan and held on to claim three points, propelling them to the top of Group F.
Group E
Brazil 1-1 Egypt
Brazil had an unconvincing start to their group stage campaign as Egypt rallied from a goal behind to earn a draw against their illustrious opponents. Danilo put the South Americans ahead on 12 minutes, but the Pharaohs played with confidence and equalised in the 26th minute thanks to Omar Gaber.
Play was very much broken up in the second half and neither side managed to find a rhythm amid lengthy delays. After more than six minutes of added time, then final whistle blew, and the two sides had to settle for a draw. The result leaves them level for top spot in Group E due to goals scored.
Austria 0-0 Panama
Also in Group E, Austria and Panama played to a scoreless draw in in sweltering conditions. The tepid play did not match the 29-degree temperature in Cartagena, although both sides had multiple opportunities to net a winner.
Superb goalkeeping by Panama No. 1 Luis Mejia, and poor finishing by the Central Americans ensured that the spoils were shared equally. The result leaves Austria and Panama tied for last place in Group E by the narrowest of margins. However, on points and goal difference, Brazil, Egypt, Austria and Panama are currently level.
Spain were two goals to the good at half-time thanks to fine strikes from Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu and Pablo Sarabia. Juanmi adding a third shortly after the restart, before Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata then took his tournament tally to six goals with a late double, including a controversial penalty.
Anyone catch the Arg-Egypt game last night ?.... pathetic refereeing ,shameless diving ...feel bad for Egypt
Fiero providing commentary
Thing is guy that got both penalties should've been sent off for the dive in the first penalty ,because he was already on a yellow card
Epic attempt by Egypt nonetheless ,considering most of them were fasting they were the better team IMO
Why they were fasting?
Didn't watch this game, but Egypt was also much better than Brazil in the group stage (though the game ended draw). Very matured team and with some good talents too.
Italian Under-21 boss Ciro Ferrara has picked a 22-man squad for the September 6 clash against Hungary.
The Azzurrini start their European Championship adventure with a potentially tough away test which they will be keen to win.
The squad includes Davide Santon, Diego Fabbrini and Alberto Paloschi.
Goalkeepers: Bardi (Livorno), Colombi (Juve Stabia), Pinsoglio (Pescara)
Defenders: Antei (Roma), Caldirola (Inter), Capuano (Pescara), Crescenzi (Bari), Donati (Padova), Faraoni (Inter), Santon (Inter)
Midfielders: Bertolacci (Lecce), D'Alessandro (Verona), Fabbrini (Udinese), Florenzi (Crotone), Marrone (Juventus), Rossi Fausto (Vicenza), Saponara (Empoli), Soriano (Sampdoria)
Attackers: Borini (Parma), Destro (Siena), Gabbiadini (Atalanta), Paloschi (Chievo Verona)
The NextGen Series is a European football club cup competition for under-19 footballers. It is similar in form to the UEFA Champions League and will provide a competition for youth players an opportunity to play other young European footballers.
Plans to create a European competition for youth footballers have long been touted. Ajax and Manchester City played a behind closed doors match in November 2010 as did Liverpool and Celtic. This was part of a trial scheme for the new competition.
The goal of the tournament is to help clubs replicate the Champions League experience for younger players. Celtic youth coach, Chris McCart said;
“ Our purpose is to try and develop a Champions League player and it will expose them to that and replicate what that’s like at first-team level. We are confident the players will gain experience which will be vital to them in terms of the style of play and the travelling. We can also offer players the opportunity of playing against the likes of Barcelona and Man City on the big stage and in stadia.
Results:
Grimaldo WOW
1-0 Italy Improta
Barca's Grimaldo?
He is supposed to be one of their biggest talents
Yes
Looked lively in the first half (only caught the first half)....playing like he was older than most despite the fact that he is only 16 ...Suso and Oliver Torres looked really good ...Torres particularly impressed (would suit Serie A very well ) and the rb/rwb Johnny reminded me of Ivanovic ...highly promising
Pity Valoti didn't play
rate please, SBW?