By JUSTIN FERGUSON
More international action highlights this Soccer Saturday as the Confederations Cup group stage winds down and the U-20 World Cup continues with another slate of opening matches.
Confederations Cup hosts Brazil will try to continue its perfect start in the competition with a final group stage match against fellow undefeated squad Italy. Although both teams have punched their tickets to the semifinals, Saturday’s match will determine the seeding for the final four—and the loser will face defending World Cup champions Spain. The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw back in March.
With both winless squads already eliminated from the competition, the Japan-Mexico match will be all about pride and ending the trip to Brazil on a positive note. A misfiring Mexico offense will have a chance to right some of their scoring wrongs on Saturday when it takes on a Japan defense that has allowed seven goals in two matches.
In Turkey, some of the world’s bright young stars will take the stage in U-20 World Cup action. While the senior team continues to struggle, a promising young Mexico squad kicks off its campaign with a match against Greece, who is led by prominent goalscorer Dimitrios Diamantakos. Another match to keep your eye on Saturday will be Australia-Colombia, a clash featuring several English club prospects and a pair of world-class youngsters.
If you will be watching today’s action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Today’s TV schedule is after the jump):
11am – ESPN – Mexico vs. Greece – Under-20 World Cup
11am – ESPN3 – Colombia vs. Australia – Under-20 World Cup
2pm – ESPNU – Turkey vs. El Salvador – Under-20 World Cup
2pm – ESPN3 – Paraguay vs. Mali – Under-20 World Cup
3pm – ESPN – Italy vs. Brazil – Confederations Cup
3pm – ESPN Deportes/ESPN2– Japan vs. Mexico – Confederations Cup
7pm – MLS Direct Kick – D.C. United vs. San Jose Earthquakes
8pm – MLS Direct Kick – Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire
8:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City
9pm – MLS Direct Kick – Houston Dynamo vs. Toronto FC
9:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders