Uruguay won their maiden U20 FIFA World Cup defeating Italy by 1-0 at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, Argentina. Luciano Rodriguez scored the all-important goal in 86′.
The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the 23rd edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The tournament was held in Argentina, who had previously hosted in 2001. Indonesia had originally been set to host the competition, having been hosts of the cancelled 2021 edition, but their hosting rights were stripped on 29 March 2023 due to their refusal to host Israel.
Ukraine, the reigning champions, could not defend their title as they failed to qualify. Hosts Argentina who are also 6 times champions, were knocked out in the round of 16 after three wins in the group stage.
The Dominican Republic and Israel made their debut in the competition; this was the Dominican Republic’s first-ever qualification for a FIFA tournament. Having qualified for the 1970 FIFA World Cup via the Asian qualification, this was the first FIFA tournament for which Israel qualified as a European representative.
Five times champions Brazil was knocked out in Quarterfinals by Israel.
Total 154 goals were scored in 52 matches, for an average of 2.96 goals per match
In Second Round, USA defeated New Zealand 4-0, Uruguay defeated Gambia 1-0, Israel defeated Uzbekistan 1-0, Brazil defeated Tunisia 4-1, Colombia defeated Slovakia 5-1, Italy defeated England 2-1, South Korea defeated Ecuador 3-2 and Nigeria defeated Argentina 2-0.
In Quarterfinals, Uruguay defeated USA 2-0, Israel defeated Brazil 3-2, Italy defeated Colombia 3-1 and South Korea defeated Nigeria 1-0.
In Semi-finals, Uruguay defeated Israel 1-0 while Italy defeated South Korea 2-1.
In Third Place Play-off, Israel defeated South Korea 3-1.
In final Uruguay defeated Italy 1-0.
Cesare Casadei of Italy won Both Golden Ball and Golden Boot while Sebastiano Desplanches of Italy won Golden Glove. USA won Fair Play Trophy.
Picture Courtesy: Social Media
