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Some big weekend World Cup games, of course [see the television slate below] but there is another FIFA event hitting high gear this weekend as the World Youth Cup for Under-20 players reaches the quarterfinal stage in Egypt.
Today's games match South Korea against Ghana (10:30 a.m. Eastern) and Italy against Hungary (2 p.m.) while the Saturday pairings are Brazil vs. Germany (10 a.m.) and Costa Rica vs. the United Arab Emirates (2:00 p.m.). All of them are available on ESPN360.com.
Thanks to the way the pairings broke. the tournament is certain to have an unusual semifinal lineup. Costa Rica, for example, only advanced to the second round because they scored one more group stage goal than did the United States after both teams lost two of three in the first round. Costa Rica began the tournament getting walloped 5-0 by Brazil but will reach the last four with a victory over the UAE.
The UAE is the real outsider, West Asian teams not have fared especially well at any level in FIFA events. Their win over Venezuela in the second round was earned and deserved, especially since the South Americans jumped ahead quickly.
The showpiece of the quarterfinals would appear to be Brazil's match against Germany. The Brazilians have been the most attractive side in the tournament with an enviable attack, but they have also looked rather loose at the back. The Germans staged a comeback to kayo Nigeria in stoppage time although down to 10 men in their second round clash Wednesday night.
The all-European battle between Italy and Hungary is noteworthy not for the appearance of the Azzurri, who always grow in strength through a tournament, but for the Hungarians finally making a splash after so many years outside the top ranks.
South Korea could be the program which has shown the most growth in recent years. They appear to have finally taken the step beyond being hard-working: this is a team which finishes effectively and shows little of the frailty which has often afflicted Korean teams at all levels.
Ghana has always done well in youth events and has finally translated that into back-to-back World Cup finals appearances. They will start favorites in their match with the Koreans but it should be a balanced match between two very strong sides.
The main lesson from this event really isn't about the teams -- we told you before it started that the World Youth Cup throws off misleading projections about players and teams -- but surely about the venue.
It's the first of three straight FIFA events on African soil, ahead of the U17 in Nigeria later this year and the big show in South Africa next summer. There were four African teams in the field and all four reached the knockout stage.
If you take that as significant, remember that there will be six African qualifiers for the World Cup -- don't be surprised if at least five advance to the second round at the expense of some favorites. Yes, there will be a continental home advantage.
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TV: (All times EDT; our picks in bold)
TODAY
U20WC: Korea v Ghana 1030 ESPN360
U20WC: Italy v Hungary 1400 ESPN360
SATURDAY (All WCQ’s or friendlies unless otherwise noted)
U20WC: Brazil v Germany 1030 ESPN360/Galavision
Russia v Germany 1100 Setanta
Bahrain v New Zealand 1130 FSC
Armenia v Spain 1200 FSE
Ukraine v England 1215 PPV
Denmark v Sweden 1400 FSE
Liechtenstein v Azerbaijan 1400 ESPN360
U20WC: UAE v Costa Rica 1400 ESPN360/Galavision
Czechs v Poland 1430 Dish
Greece v Latvia 1430 Dish
France v Faroes 1500 FSC
Portugal v Hungary 1545 Setanta
Ireland v Italy 1600 Dish
TFC v SJ 1600 CBC/DK
Argentina v Peru 1800 Dish/PPV
Colombia v Chile 1800 Dish/PPV
Ecuador v Uruguay 1800 Dish/PPV
Venezuela v Paraguay 1800 Dish/PPV
Mexico v El Salvador 1800 Telemundo
Revs v Crew 1930 FSC/FSE
Honduras v USA 2200 bit.ly/39WU3c
Costa Rica v T&T 2200 TBA
Chivas v KCW 2230 DK
SUNDAY
Bolivia v Brazil 1600 Dish/PPV
San Luis v Atlante 1700 Univision
Reserve