FIFA U20 World Cup reaches semifinals in Chile

The 24th edition of the FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup resumes tonight with the semifinals in Chile as teams tussle for a place in the final.

France will tackle African side Morocco at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso from 11 pm in the first semi-final, with both eyeing a place in Sunday night’s final.

The Atlas Cubs of Morocco, who were in the group of death, topped group C on 6 points after beating Spain 2-0, before easing to a 2-1 over Brazil, but fell to a  1 -0 loss against Mexico in the last match.

The North Africans defeated the Korea Republic 2-1 in the round of 16 before demolishing tournament favorites the USA 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

On their part, France qualified for the knockouts after finishing among the top 3 teams in 3rd place with 6 points from Group C.

They opened their campaigns with a 2-1 win over South Africa before going down 3-0 to the USA and hammering New Caledonia 6-0 in the group.

France needed extra time to eliminate Japan 1-0 in the round of 16 after a barren draw, and then dispatched Norway 2-1 in the quarter final.

France will be Morocco for a third time in history, the French winning 4-3 and 5-4 in the two international friendlies a year ago.

The 2nd semi, which will kick off at 2 am, will be a South American derby as Argentina takes on Colombia at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.

Argentina, the only side enjoying a 100% record in this year’s tournament, won their group on 9 points after beating Cuba, Australia, and Italy before thrashing Nigeria 4-0 in the last 16 and defeating Mexico 2-0.