FIFA U20 World Cup: Nigeria, Brazil to battle on Day 2 as Argentina, Slovakia impress on Day 1

The 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup commenced on Saturday, with four matches played across Group A and B.

New Zealand initiated the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Guatemala, thanks to Norman Garbett’s 80th-minute strike at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades.

Later in the day, Argentina faced an early setback when Uzbekistan took the lead at the same stadium. However, the tournament hosts made a remarkable recovery and secured a 2-1 win, placing them at the top of Group A.

The United States kicked off proceedings in Group B, clinching a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador. Jonathan Gomez, a promising young talent from Real Sociedad, scored the winning goal.

Slovakia overshadowed all other teams with their dominant performance against Fiji, achieving a resounding 4-0 victory at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. This triumph propelled the European team to the top of the group.

On Sunday, the World Cup enters its second matchday, featuring matches from Group C and D.

The Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona in La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, will first host the Group C games between Israel and Colombia.

Later in the evening, African champions Senegal will face Asian giants Japan at the same venue.

The first match in Group D will be held between Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and the Dominican Republic at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Provincia de Mendoza. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 pm (Nigerian time).

The Flying Eagles are considered favourites to secure all three points against the World Cup debutants. Subsequently, five-time winners, Brazil will clash with Italy at the same stadium.

Nigeria have never won the U20 World Cup, finishing as runners-up in 1989 and 2005.