Asian sides learn FIFA U20 World Cup opponents
Asian sides learned their FIFA U20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 opponents on Wednesday following the tournament’s official draw in Suwon. Asia will have five teams flying the continent’s flag at the global extravaganza – Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Vietnam which all qualified thanks to their top four finishes at last year’s AFC U-19 Championship, while Korea Republic will appear as host, the-afc.com reported.
Korea Republic will meet Guinea, which returns after a 38-year absence from the tournament, six-time FIFA U20 champion Argentina, as well as England in Group A.
In Group C, Iran will come up against African champion Zambia, Portugal and Costa Rica, which has qualified nine times.
Reigning 2016 AFC U19 champion Japan will face South Africa, Italy and CONMEBOL champion Uruguay in Group D.
Vietnam will have its work out to progress from Group E where it has France, Honduras and recently crowned Oceania Football Confederation champion New Zealand for company.
Meanwhile, AFC U19 Championship runner-up Saudi Arabia is grouped with Ecuador, USA, which will be making its maiden appearance, and Senegal in Group F.
The competition is set to get underway on May 20.
FIFA U20 World Cup groups Group A:
A1. Korea Republic, A2. Guinea, A3. Argentina, A4. England
Group B:
B1. Venezuela, B2. Germany, B3. Vanuatu, B4. Mexico
Group C:
C1. Zambia, C2. Portugal, C3. IR Iran, C4. Costa Rica
Group D:
D1. South Africa, D2. Japan, D3. Italy, D4. Uruguay
Group E:
E1. France, E2. Honduras , E3. Vietnam, E4. New Zealand
Group F:
F1. Ecuador, F2. USA , .F3 Saudi Arabia, F4. Senegal