The United States will look to open their Under-20 World Cup campaign with a stunning victory over favored Spain.
The Americans are billed to make a deep run in the tournament, but must get through a difficult group that includes Spain, France, and Ghana; all four teams are considered contenders in the championship.
"Spain is sort setting the standard worldwide for soccer now," U.S. coach Tab Ramos said about facing the Spaniards. "We're not going to be the ones to solve that problem and counter what they have been doing. We don't just look at Spain. We look at our group. When we qualified for the World Cup, you are always hoping you can play some of the best teams in the world. We got an opportunity to play three of them in our group and we welcome that challenge."
Spain is expected to employ its traditional "tiki taka" passing style and is expected to help the nation to one of the three major trophies it is seeking. The Under-21 side recently won the Under-21 Euro Championship while the senior team is a favorite to take home the Confederations Cup trophy in Brazil.
"We are only thinking about the next match," Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui said. "The history or the future, we can't think about this. Our concentration is on tomorrow - no more."
"The objective is to win, like every goal you set yourself in life," said Oliver, one of the stars of the Spanish side. "It goes without saying that we'll be taking it step by step, but we're not frightened of anyone. Nor do we think we're better than anyone. We are Spain and we need to go out and take the game to our rivals."
Prediction: Spain wins 3-0.
Start Time: 2 PM EST
TV: ESPN 2, Univision Deportes
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
