Spain, Nigeria Confirm Role As Early Favourites

Two of the early favorites in the Under-20 World Cup came through as expected with Spain and Nigeria picking up victories on Sunday as the first round of group play wrapped up.

Spain defeated Costa Rica 4-1 in Group C, and Australia drew 1-1 with Ecuador. In Group D, Nigeria trounced Guatemala 5-0 and Saudi Arabia defeated Croatia 2-0.

Spain is the favorite for many—along with Argentina and Brazil—with its U-20 team playing the same kind of touch-touch-touch football that brought the senior team the World Cup last year in South Africa.

The first round of matches also unearthed a few surprises. Egypt looked very strong in a 1-1 draw with Brazil, Colombia seems to be in the mix after thrashing France 4-1, and South Korea looked like a contender after a 2-0 victory over Mali.

Spain got two goals from Rodrigo Moreno with others from Koke and Isco. Like the Brazilians, Spanish players seem to be going more and more by a single name.

From: http://ping.fm/vvLN0