Despite the Defeat to South Africa, the US Win Group E, Faces Italy in the Quarterfinals
The United States U20 men's national team topped Group E at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup despite suffering a 2-1 loss to South Africa in their final group stage match in Rancagua on Sunday. The defeat marked the Americans' only loss of the group stage, but their superior goal differential of +10 secured first place ahead of South Africa (+5) and France (+4), all of whom finished with six points.
Head coach Marko Mitrovic made six changes to his squad, rotating heavily after the team had defeated France 3-0 just days earlier. The changes included first tournament appearances for Noah Cobb and first starts for Reed Baker-Whiting, Luca Bombino, Luke Brennan, Matthew Corcoran, and Pedro Soma.
The U.S. struck first in the 12th minute when Cobb headed home from a Corcoran free kick. However, South Africa responded quickly, equalizing just five minutes later through an unfortunate own goal by American defender Joshua Wynder. Before halftime, South Africa completed their comeback when Gomolemo Kekana finished a swift counterattack, giving Bafana Bafana a 2-1 lead.
The Americans dominated possession in the second half, creating multiple scoring opportunities, with captain Benjamin Cremaschi forcing several saves from South African goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe. Despite their attacking efforts, the U.S. couldn't find the equalizer, with their best late chance coming when substitute Cole Campbell's cross found Marcos Zambrano, whose header was saved.
This marks the 13th time the United States has advanced from the U20 World Cup group stage and the sixth time they've done so as group winners. The Americans will now face Italy in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 9, remaining in Rancagua for the knockout match. Meanwhile, South Africa's victory represented their best-ever performance in the group stage of the tournament.
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