France U20 vs USA U20 Predictions

Despite a few worrying moments, France eventually asserted themselves against Mali last time out, which meant that they left the groups behind having won three out of three. The tournament favourites are yet to disappoint, though will they have what it takes to get the better of a useful USA side?

Given that they enter the last-16 having won each of their three games in Poland, it’s tough to criticise the French, who so far have lived up to their name of favourites. Bernard Diomede’s side cruised to a 2-0 victory during the opening round of fixtures, while they also made light work of winning by two goals to nil on match-day two. Saudi Arabia and Panama aren’t exactly the toughest sides to face, though the way in which France gave nothing away and got the job done in routine fashion was pleasing. Last time out against Mali, the French youngsters didn’t look as secure at the back, as they conceded twice, while they weren’t as assured in possession, though they still created a good amount going forward and their overall quality eventually made the difference.

Unlike France, USA’s youngsters didn’t make the best start to the competition, as they lost against Ukraine (2-1) first time out. However, despite the result, there was plenty to like about the way that Tabare Ramos’s side went about their business. They created more than their opponent and were thus unlucky to walk away with nothing. Since their first game, USA have looked strong; they beat Nigeria by two goals to nil, while they delivered their best performance yet when beating Qatar by a goal to nil last time out, posting an impressive 2.44 expected goals for.

Given that they’ve won three out of three and are fancied by many to go all the way, the French deserve to come into this game as strong favourites, though the market is all too aware of that, so much so that France are perhaps a tad too short. Backing the side with a 100% record to win in 90 minutes represents little value.

One bet that does stand out is ‘Both Teams to Score’. The French have looked strong, though we saw last time out that they’re far from infallible at the back. When we add in the fact that both teams have scored in 100% of their matches, plus the fact that they average 1.52 (France) and 1.63 (USA) expected goals for, the chances of both registering on the score-sheet appear to be slightly greater than the current odds would have us believe.