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Uzbekistan U20 and New Zealand U20 will battle for three points on matchday two of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup group stage on Tuesday.
Uzbekistan kickstarted their tournament with a narrow defeat to hosts Argentina in their opening game on Saturday. They went ahead through Makhmudjon Makhamadjonov in the 23rd minute but Alejo Veliz leveled matters for the South Americans just four minutes later. Inter midfielder Valentine Carboni completed the turnaround with a spectacular left-footed strike in the 41st minute.
New Zealand, meanwhile, claimed maximum points with a 1-0 victory over Guatemala. Norman Garbett stepped off the bench to score the match-winner with 10 minutes to go.
The win took the Oceanian champions joint-top in Group A with three points to their name. Uzbekistan are in third spot, yet to register their first points of the tournament.
Uzbekistan U20 vs New Zealand U20 Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the second meeting between the two sides at this level. They were paired in the group stage of the 2013 World Cup, with Uzbekistan claiming a 3-0 victory.
- Uzbekistan made it to the quarterfinals in each of their last two appearances at the World Cup in 2013 and 2015.
- New Zealad were eliminated in the round-of-16 in each of their last three appearances at the World Cup (2015, 2017, 2019).
- Four of Uzbekistan's last six games have seen one side fail to find the back of the net.
- New Zealand have won their last four matches on the bounce, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three.
Uzbekistan U20 vs New Zealand U20 Prediction
Uzbekistan were impressive in their defeat against Argentina and can consider themselves unlucky not to have left the game with at least a point. Despite playing against a raucous crowd, Ravshan Khaydarov's side were unfazed and created enough chances in the game but were let down by poor finishing.
New Zealand, for their part, took one step towards the knockout round with their win over Guatemala. One point from their next two games should ostensibly be enough to qualify for the round of 16 for the fourth tournament in succession.
Although one side could nick a win here, we are backing the spoils to be shared in a low-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 1-1 New Zealand
Uzbekistan U20 vs New Zealand U20 Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Under 2.5 goals
