Portugal vs South Africa U20 World Cup Odds, Preview, and Prediction

Portugal takes on South Africa in Match 35 of the U20 World Cup in Poland.

The match will be the final group match for both sides and a spot in the next round awaits Portugal if they can get the job done. Kick-off time for this match is at 15:30 local time on May 31, 2019.

Portugal

Portugal is coming off a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Argentina in their last game. The loss to Argentina knocked the Portuguese down to the third spot in Group F but they are still in control of their destiny with a win over South Africa on Friday will be enough to see them through the second round of the competition.

• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Joao Virgínia, Luis Maximiano
• Defenders: Diogo Leite, Diogo Queiros, Francisco Moura, Diogo Dalot, Romain Correia, Ruben Vinagre, Thierry Correia
• Midfielders: Florentino, Gedson Fernandes, Miguel Luis, Nuno Henrique, Nuno Santos
• Forwards: Trincao, Jota, Mesaque Dju, Pedro Martelo, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao

South Africa

South Africa is in the bottom of the Group F standings winless in two games after suffering defeats to Argentina (2-5) and South Korea (0-1). Barring any miraculous finish, South Africa has exited the U20 World Cup with a minus-four goals difference to go with zero goals scored.

• Goalkeepers: Khulekani Kubheka, Kopano Thuntsane, Glen Baadjies
• Defenders: Thabo Moloisane, Molebogo Modise, Keenan Abrahams, Givemore Khupe, Keenan Phillips, Fezile Gcaba, Sbusiso Mabiliso
• Midfielders: Siphesihle Mkhize, Promise Mkhuma, Oswin Appollis, Luke Le Roux, Njabulo Blom, Luvuyo Phewa, Kobamelo Kodisang
• Forwards: Leo Thethani, James Monyane, Lyle Foster, Thakgalo Leshabela

Who Wins?

South Africa will pin its long-shot hopes on the shoulders of star striker Lyle Foster who scored a goal during the Amajita’s loss to Argentina. Head Coach Thabo Senong’s squad created so many scoring chances in the first half against South Korea but they were never able to convert on any of them. At times, they looked like they were short of ideas inside the pitch.

But despite their predicament, it’s not easy to write off South Africa at this stage of the tournament. With everything except the punctuation mark on their exit already done, the Amajita will be playing with lesser pressure than Portugal. Given how they gave Argentina a good fight, Portugal cannot take them for granted.

As for Portugal, this was a team that was expected to challenge for the U20 World Cup at this level. Even with the loss of Joao Felix to their senior squad, this was a team that was one of the favorites in this tournament after last year’s win at the U-19 European Championships in Finland.

Portugal is said to be having a “Golden Generation” at present with Benfica forward Jota, Lille attacker Rafael Leao and Braga winger Trincao plus the Benfica midfield duo of Florentino and Gedson Fernandez. Despite that, their run at the U20 World Cup hasn’t been smooth sailing.

During their 1-0 win over South Korea, they displayed some sloppiness in the final third that we also saw during their loss to Argentina. We know that Portugal was at par with Argentina and they could have salvaged a draw at least. Despite being the heavy soccer betting favorites here, Portugal needs to iron out their performance. And against the bottom team in the group, they have every opportunity to do that.

With South Africa expected to take risks in order not to go 0-3 in this tournament, Portugal should find plenty of opportunities to counter-attack and show the world that they can score the goals needed to win this tournament. In recent games, Portugal has shown a tendency to have a hard time putting teams away but I think with a spot in the next round on the line here, I expect them to finish strong.

I think Portugal needs at least a goal to formalize its entry to the next round but they won’t be content with that. After that disappointing loss to Argentina, I expect this team to bounce back and deliver a strong message. I expect Portugal to emerge victorious with a two-goal win here. Prediction: Portugal

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