The United States Under 20 Men's National Team will face Ghana on Thursday (11:47 a.m. CT, ESPNU, WatchESPN) in their final group stage match of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Sporting KC's Mikey Lopez has featured in the two previous group stage matches and could be in line to start against Ghana.
The U.S. struggled in an opening round 4-1 loss to Spain but recovered with a crucial 1-1 draw against France on Monday. At times, the U-20s have looked impressive but struggled to put together a complete 90 minute performance and take advantage of their chances.
A multi-goal margin victory against Ghana is probably needed for the U.S. to have any realistic chance of finishing second in Group A. Outside of finishing in second place, the U.S. can also advance by being one of the top four third place teams in the group stage.
Group A Scenarios
- United States will advance to the knockout stage if they defeat Ghana, France loses to Spain, and have advantage on tiebreakers (goal difference then goals scored)
- United States will advance to the knockout stage if they defeat Ghana and are one of top four third place sides
Group A Standings
<strong>Team</strong> |
<strong>Wins</strong> |
<strong>Losses</strong> |
<strong>Draws</strong> |
<strong>Goal Difference</strong> |
<strong>Goals Scored</strong> |
Spain |
2 |
0 |
0 |
+4 |
5 |
France |
1 |
0 |
1 |
+2 |
4 |
USA |
0 |
1 |
1 |
-3 |
2 |
Ghana |
0 |
2 |
0 |
-3 |
1 |
