Ecuador and Italy Favored Ahead of FIFA U20 World Cup Semifinals in Poland
- South Americans fancied against South Korea
- Azzuri tipped to knock out Ukraine
- Tournament has served up plenty of surprises
Ecuador is the team seen as most likely to reach the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup as the tournament in Poland hits the last four stage.
In a competition which saw the six most-fancied nations eliminated by the finish of the last 16 stage, there have been plenty of surprises.
After their defeat of the impressive USA side in the quarterfinal, the Ecuadorians are favored with sportsbooks at +100 to beat South Korea in the semi-final on Tuesday (Arena Lublin, 2.30pm EST).
Ecuador vs South Korea Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador | pk, -½ +100 | +100 | Ov 2, 2½ +105 |
| South Korea | pk, +½ -120 | +230 | Un2, 2½ -125 |
| Draw | N/A | +225 | N/A |
*Odds taken at 2019/06/09
The Asian side are rated at +230, with the draw at the end of normal time looking a good value +225.
Ukraine vs Italy Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | pk, +½ -128 | +205 | Ov 2, -106 |
| Italy | pk, -½ +108 | +133 | Ov2, -114 |
| Draw | N/A | +193 | N/A |
Italy’s Azzuri – previous tournament favorites before the last eight kicked off – are rated at +133 to defeat Ukraine in the other semifinal, which takes place in Gdynia on Tuesday (Arena Gosir, 11.30 a.m EST).
Ukraine are +205 with the draw at the end of 90 minutes, an interesting prospect at +193.
First Time in Semifinals
Ecuador are in the semifinals for the first time. They were rated as fourth favorites to win the competition at +600 before the last eight began.
Italy took full advantage of being up a man against Mali by scoring three times in the second half to prevail 4-2 and reach the semifinals of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup Poland 2019.
Read full report: https://t.co/94C5UfmPlH
— Sporty-Africa.com (@SportyAfrica) June 8, 2019
With the USA slightly less fancied at +700, it was the South Americans who triumphed 2-1 in Gdynia. The winner was scored just before half-time by defender Jhon Espinoza.
The Italians won a hotly-contested quarterfinal 4-2 against Mali. They were aided by the sending off of the African team’s Ousmane Diakite after only 21 minutes.
South Korea were considered outsiders at +1000 before the quarterfinal. But they created another shock by winning 3-2 on penalties against highly-rated Senegal.
The Italians won a hotly-contested quarterfinal 4-2 against Mali. They were aided by the sending off of the African team’s Ousmane Diakite after only 21 minutes.
Ukraine were seen as +900 outsiders to lift the prize before the last eight. However, they overcame the more-fancied Colombia 1-0, thanks to an 11th minute winner from Danylo Sikan.
USA eliminated by Ecuador in Under-20 World Cup quarter-finals https://t.co/NSYd8rnAPJ
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) June 8, 2019
Fatigue Factor Kicks In
Ecuador’s young players were visibly drained at the end of their victory against the USA. The fact they will be playing again quickly may be a factor this deep into the competition. But the same will apply to South Korea after their exertions against Senegal.
The South Americans have scored seven times in their five fixtures so far while conceding four goals.
Ukraine and Italy have been noted for good organisation during the competition and have conceded only three times in five matches.
The Koreans have also scored seven while conceding five.
Ukraine are another team through to the semifinals for the first time.
Both they and Italy have been noted for good organization during the competition and have conceded only three times in five matches in Poland. This makes the draw a good value offer.
Photo from @AP_Sports of U.S. players' reactions after the loss to Ecuador at the Under-20 men's World Cup: pic.twitter.com/9eOKPo2SyF
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) June 8, 2019
Sikan is leading goalscorer
The Italians have hit the target eight times. Ukraine have the competition’s second-leading marksman, Sikan. He has scored four of their nine strikes.
The final of the tournament takes place on Saturday in Lodz (June 15. 12am EST).
The third place match will be in Gdynia omn Friday (June 14 2.30pm EST).
Picks: Ecuador (+100); Ukraine vs Italy Draw (+19)
John Dillon is a leading member of the UK's sporting media, having spent three decades as a national newspaper soccer and sports writer, broadcaster and author. He has covered five World Cups, six European Championships and was Chief Sports Writer at the Daily Express for 14 years.
