Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
The United States will have to advance from a very difficult group at this summer’s Under-20 World Cup in Turkey.
In Monday afternoon’s World Cup draw, the U.S. were placed in Group A, where they’ll face European powers Spain, France, and a still to be determined African country. The African contestant will be determined when the African U-20 Championship finishes on March 30. Egypt, Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana earned the four qualification spots from Africa.
France and Spain both qualified to the World Cup by their top six finishes at the 2012 UEFA U-19 Championship, with Spain taking home the title in a 1-0 win against Greece. Spain made it to the final after defeating France 4-2 on penalties, with the score leveled 3-3 after extra time.
The United States are back in the U-20 World Cup for the first time since 2009, having been knocked out by Guatemala in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2011. In the 2013 edition, the U.S. took second place, losing to Mexico in the final 3-1 after extra time.
What do you make of the news? Do you like the U.S.’s chances of getting out of their group? Who is your favorite to win the tournament?
Share your thoughts below.