Bruno Miguel’s boys have lost both their matches against Nigeria and Ukraine and will need to win today to keep their chances alive to qualify for the last 16. The tournament’s 24-team format allows the four best third-placed countries from the groups to also progress.
In an even contest against Ukraine, Qatar displayed better cohesion before conceding a second-half goal on Monday. Qatar also received a blow as captain Nasir Peer was shown a red card for a late tackle on Maksym Chekh. Peer miss today’s match against USA, who beat Nigeria 2-0 in their last match and will qualify if they beat Qatar or draw.
Qatar’s young squad has shown flashes of brilliance in their two matches. However, a stern test awaits the Al Annabi against Americans.
Ukraine have already qualified for the next round of the tournament with six points from two matches. Today, Ukraine requires a point to seal first place, while Nigeria – who defeated Qatar before losing to USA – have to win to protect themselves. Nigeria and the US each have three points from two matches in Group D.
Along with Ukraine, other teams to qualify for the next stage include Uruguay and New Zealand joining already-qualified Italy and Senegal in the last 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ukraine have now advanced to the Round of 16 in all four of their appearances in competition history (2001, 2005, 2015 and 2019). However, they have yet to reach the quarter-finals.
On Tuesday, Argentina beat Portugal 2-0 at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium to book their spot in the last 16.
Qatar U-20 players take part in a training session ahead of their FIFA U-20 World Cup match against the United States yesterday.
