FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria, Brazil Battle For Group Top Spot

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – The Flying Eagles are eagerly looking forward to the Brazilian challenge today fully determined to continue their scintillating run in the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup tournament in Argentina.

The venue for this Group D table-topping decider is the renowned Estadio Unico Diego Maradona in La Plata after the Flying Eagles completed their relocation from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital city.

Without any doubt, the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza provided an exhilarating backdrop for Nigeria’s impressive performances. This successful adventure in Mendoza saw the Coach Ladan Bosso boys clinching victories in their opening two matches against the Dominican Republic and Italy.

Therefore, the stage is set for them to lock horns with Brazil who are five-time champions in this competition. Though both countries are not consigned to elimination from the tournament, there is more drama to come as they still have plenty to play for in terms of prestige and who eventually triumph as Group D leaders going into the Round of 16.

Current standings present an interesting scenario because if Nigeria falter against Brazil and Italy beat Dominican Republic, three teams would finish on six points with their goal difference being used as the tiebreaker for placement.

So far, the disciplined and well-organized Nigerians have maintained their 100 percent start to the tournament with 2-1 and 2-0 wins over the Dominican Republic and Italy.

These impressive victories earned them an unassailable six points to guarantee advancement to the competition’s knockout stage.

Therefore, this highly anticipated final group match will see the Flying Eagles clinching the coveted top spot in Group D if they avoid defeat against the South American giants who obviously recovered well from the shocking 2-3 loss to Italy in their opening group game.

Indeed, the Brazilians sent a strong message to the Nigerians on being fully back in business with their 6-0 demolition of the Dominican Republic to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

In that particular encounter, six different players netted for the South American powerhouse, namely Savio, Marcos Leonardo, Jean Pedroso, Giovane, Marlon Gomes, and Matheus Martins.

However, Brazil’s Under-20 Head Coach, Ramon Menezes, understands the enormity of the task ahead and reports quoted him as saying; “The World Cup is very difficult and our group is very balanced. Nigeria already has six points. It was worth a lot for the difference.

“Now, it’s time to recover these players, and it shows the difficulties of this decisive game, and football doesn’t even have time to celebrate.

“We already have a trip, we have to train to play a great game on Saturday (today).”