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Guatemala U20 and New Zealand U20 will kickstart their 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign when they square off in a Group A fixture on Saturday (May 20).
Guatemala will be making a second appearance at the tournment, following their maiden qualification in 2011. La Azul y Blanco secured their qualification courtesy of their semifinal finish at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
New Zealand, meanwhile, won the 2022 OFC U-19 Championship to qualify for a seventh apearance at this stage. The Ocenian champions are coming off a 1-0 win over Ecuador in their final preparatory friendly. Ben Wallace's 71st-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides. Guatemala triumphed over Indonesia by the same scoreline, thanks to Jorge Solozarno's 22nd-minute winner.
Argentina and Uzebekistan complete the quartet of teams in Group A, apart from Guatemala and New Zealand.
Guatemala U20 vs New Zealand U20 Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides at this level. They squared off in a friendly in February 2023, which Guatemala won 3-1.
- Guatemala have won all three games this year.
- New Zealand have also won their last three game since their loss to Guatemala in February.
- Guatemala are aiming to match or surpass their record in 2011 that saw them progress to the Round of 16.
- New Zealand have made the Round of 16 at the last three Under-20 World Cups but are yet to progress beyond that stage.
Guatemala U20 vs New Zealand U20 Prediction
Argentina are the favourites to secure top spot in Group A, with Guatemala and New Zealand likely to battle for the other qualification spots in the group alongside Uzebekistan.
So, both sides will be eager to kickstart their campaign with a win to put them in good stead for qualification. New Zealand are the more experienced side at this level and enter the game as favourites.
Howerver, Guatemala are capable of getting a positive result, as evidenced by the friendly between both sides earlier this year. Darren Bazeley's side should claim a narrow win with goals to be scored at both ends.
Prediction: Guatemala 1-2 New Zealand
Guatemala U20 vs New Zealand U20 Betting Tips
Tip 1 - New Zealand to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 4 - Highest scoring half: Second half
