Japan became the first side to book their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ knockouts by defeating the hosts 2-0. New Zealand also tasted victory as they recovered to beat Egypt. Panama battled back to earn a point against Ukraine, while ten-player Paraguay secured a goalless draw with Korea Republic.
Group A
Egypt 1-2 New Zealand
Egypt goal: Ahmed Kabaka (5)
New Zealand goals: Luke Brooke-Smith (13), Xuan Loke (16)
New Zealand got their campaign back on track with a battling comeback victory over Egypt, whose qualifying hopes are now hanging by a thread after consecutive defeats.
The match got off to a lightning start, with Egypt’s captain Ahmed Khaled opening the scoring with a well-taken right-footed effort. But the Junior All Whites immediately responded with two goals in a three-minute spell, as Luke Brooke-Smith and Xuan Loke converted from close range.
Egypt put New Zealand under relentless pressure after the break, but were unable to find the target thanks to some stoic defending from Chris Greenacre’s team.
Quotes
“It’s an amazing feeling. We obviously didn’t have the best start to the game but I think the boys dug in so well, and credit to them, I think we created so many chances in that first 20 minutes and I’m grateful to be on the end of that. But we know we need to be better, and we’ll be stronger for the next game.”
Luke Brooke-Smith, New Zealand forward
Stat
This was the first time New Zealand had come from behind to win a match at the U-20 finals since their 5-1 victory over Myanmar at their home tournament in 2015.
Chile 0-2 Japan
Japan goal: Rion Ichihara pen (55), Yumeki Yokoyama (82)
A Rion Ichihara penalty and Yumeki Yokoyama thunderbolt gave Japan a victory over Chile which was enough to qualify the AFC giants for the last 16.
After an even 30 minutes, Japan had a golden chance to take the lead as Matias Perez shoved over Rento Takaoka in the box. The No19 dusted himself down and took the spot-kick himself, but Sebastian Mella guessed right and pushed it away.
It was short-lived reprieve, however. Shortly after the break, Shunsuke Saito burst into the host’s box and was felled by Willy Chatiliez. Captain Ichihara – as he did against Egypt – stepped up and confidently dinked his spot-kick down the middle. The result was secured eight minutes from time, as Yokoyama found the corner with a fine long-range effort.
Quotes
“The team was competitive. We controlled the game in periods, and they did in others. The opponent converted their chances. With two penalties against us, it became much more difficult.”
Nicolas Cordova, Chile head coach
“First of all, the players were excellent. All of them fought with the spirit of gladiators. I think we showed the world Japan’s soul. We still have five matches to play, so we want to be ready to fight through those five matches.”
Yuzo Funakoshi, Japan Coach
“Before going on, I had it in mind that, if I was unmarked in the area, I would attempt a shot. I’m happy that it went in. I’m especially happy for the fans who came here after a 30-hour journey [from Japan], and I hope those back home will continue supporting us in the next matches.”
Yumeki Yokohama, Japan midfielder
Stat
Japan have won their opening two matches at an U-20 World Cup for the first time since Canada 2007.
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Group B
Panama 1-1 Ukraine
Panama goal: Gustavo Herrera (36)
Ukraine goal: Hennadii Synchuk pen (6)
A well-taken Gustavo Herrera header cancelled out an early Hennadii Synchuk penalty to earn Panama a point against Ukraine. The match was barely three minutes old when Martin Krug pulled down Oleksandr Pyshchur for a penalty. The towering forward stepped up himself, and while his penalty was saved by Cecilio Burgess, he was off his line when doing so. Synchuk took responsibility for the retake and calmly stroked it home.
The Blue and Yellows had chances to pull further clear, but were met by Burgess on each occasion and made to pay for those missed chances. Kevin Walder bought a yard down the right and whipped in an inch-perfect cross for Herrera to nod home.
Quotes
“I don’t think I’m an important player for us. For our team, every player is very important. So when we are together, we’re good as a team. It’s not about person, it’s about [the] team. So when we have a good team, it doesn’t matter who you are.”
Hennadii Synchuk, Ukraine forward
Stat
With three goals scored so far, Panama are now just one off their record tally for an U-20 finals. They netted four at Poland 2019 en route to the last 16.
Korea Republic 0-0 Paraguay
Korea Republic were left frustrated as they had to settle for a point with ten-player Paraguay. The South Americans started well and nearly found the lead when Alexandro Maidana volleyed just wide, before captain Lucas Quintana saw a header cleared off the line shortly after. Paraguay’s momentum was firmly halted on the stroke of half-time, however, as Enso Gonzalez was sent off following a referee review for a kick out on Kim Hyeonoh.
Korea Republic instantly set about making use of their numerical advantage. Kim Myeongjun was denied via a superb double save by Facundo Insfran. Kim Taewon was next to try his luck, but he scuffed his effort wide from 12 yards.
Quotes
“When we had 11 players on the field, it was an even game, it was a dynamic game, but the sending off made things difficult for us going forward. But we showed character, we endured a long time against a dynamic team, so I need to congratulate the boys for their effort and sacrifice.”
Antolin Alcaraz, Paraguay coach
Stat
There were ten cards handed out in this match (nine yellows, one red). That’s the most in an U-20 World Cup match since Hungary’s 3-2 extra-time victory in the Egypt 2009 quarter-finals, when eight players were booked once, two were booked twice and a further two received straight reds.
