Under 20 World Cup Egypt Preview

The Under 20 World Cup soccer tourney is a week away so it is time for Soccermogul to take an early look at the groups as the teams gather in Egypt for final preparations.  Some of the big boys are missing as qualifying took its toll worldwide.  You'll notice Argentina, Mexico, France nor Portugal were able to qualify for the U20 World Cup.

The great thing about the youth World Cups are that there are always surprises.  Mexico winning a few years ago.  Or the long runs of Austria and the Czech Republic in 2007.  Who will be the 2009 surprise?

Group A -
Egypt, Trinidad, Italy, Paraguay
The hosts got a good draw and could sneak out 2nd behind clear favorites Italy.  Paraguay is the wildcard in the group and finished 2nd in South America.   Italy are the runners up from Europe and should roll behind young stars such as Stefano Okaka Chuka and Silvano Raggio Garibaldi. 

Group B -
 Nigeria, Venezuela, Spain, Tahiti
Spain and Nigeria are clear favorites in the group.  Nigeria is dealing with some injury concerns, but should be good nonetheless.  Tahiti is making their internationals debut in a major tournament, but shouldn't cause much trouble at all.  Spain is led by goalkeeper David de Gea who will anchor the defense, but the squad will sorely miss star Bojan Krkic who is out with injury.

Group C -
USA, Germany, Cameroon, Korea Republic
A very, very difficult group.  The European champions in Germany, a solid American team, runners up of Africa Cameroon and a hardworking Korean side.  The Germans are led by striker Richard Sukuta-Pasu of Bayer Leverkusen, but are missing big names Toni Kroos and Marko Marin.  The US squad suffered a setback with the recent injury of Anthony Wallace, but will bring a solid side to Egypt.  Brian Perk will need to be very good in the nets for the Americans.

Group D -
Ghana, Uzbekistan, England, Uruguay
A group that is definitely harder than it looks.  Ghana are the African champions and Uzbekistan were Asian runners up.  So don't just throw England and Uruguay into the next round.  Ghana are major contenders and should not be taken lightly.  Ransford Osei is a serious star.  England will be missing most of their big stars due to club commitments.  Missing from the squad are Danny Welbeck, Kieran Gibbs and Danny Rose.

Group E -
Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Austraila
Definitely one of the weaker groups.  Brazil should cruise behind stars like Walter and Douglas Costa.  The real question is who will rise up and grab 2nd?  Can the Czechs put together another amazing run like in 2007?  Or will Costa Rica or Austraila surprise?

Group F -
UAE, South Africa, Honduras, Hungary
Another soft group where anything goes.  Watch out for South Africa.  They could be one of the surprises of the U20 World Cup.  Hungary were the surprise of European qualifying.  Can they continue the magic?

The Under 20 World Cup kicks off September 24th in Egypt and run to the final on October 16th.  Catch the great soccer games and see some of the young, up and coming talent on the world stage.