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Japan U20 will take on Colombia U20 at Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona in the FIFA U20 World Cup on Wednesday.
Japan U20 vs Colombia U20 Preview
Both teams are in search of a second victory to seal a dominant posture in Group C following their respective wins in their opening games. Colombia are leaders thanks to a 2-1 win over Israel on Sunday while Japan humbled Senegal 1-0 to take second place. The eventual winners of the clash will qualify for the round of 16.
Samurai Blue’s best result at the championship was a runners-up spot in the 1999 edition in Nigeria. They have reached the quarterfinals thrice since their debut campaign in 1979. Japan posted a near-flawless run in the AFC U20 Asian Cup last March, losing only to Iraq in the semi-finals 5-3 on penalties.
Colombia boast some players from top European clubs like goalkeeper Alexei Rojas of Arsenal, defender Devan Tanton from Fulham, and Watford’s Yáser Asprilla. Gustavo Puerta, who scored the opening goal against Israel, plies his trade at German side FC Nürnberg while Daniel Luna is contracted to Spanish side Mallorca.
Los Cafeteros, like Japan, are yet to lift the coveted trophy. Their best result remains a third-place finish in 2003. However, they have a better record in the South American Youth Championship, which they have won thrice. The last edition, which concluded in February, saw Colombia claiming bronze.
Japan U20 vs Colombia U20 Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Prior to this edition, Japan and Colombia have appeared 10 times in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
- Japan have won the AFC U-20 Asian Cup once in 2016 and have been runners-up six times.
- Japan’s current squad boasts four foreign-based players – three in Germany and one in Spain.
- Colombia have crashed out of the FIFA U20 World Cup in the first round only two times.
- Japan have won four times and lost once in their last five matches while Colombia have won twice, drawn twice and lost once.
Japan U20 vs Colombia U20 Prediction
Colombia will likely rely on their brilliant individuality once more to outdo the Japanese, whose cohesive style may prove difficult to overcome. Puerta will be looking to score his second goal but could get a response from Japan’s lone scorer as of yet, Kuryu Matsuki.
Colombia are expected to prevail based on their attacking and midfield strengths.
Prediction: Japan U20 1-2 Colombia U20
Japan U20 vs Colombia U20 Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Colombia U20
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Colombia U20 to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Japan U20 to score - Yes
