The Colombia vs Korea U-20 World Cup Round of 16 match will take place this Wednesday, July 3, 2013 (11:00 AM Pacific) in Trabzon. Colombia reached the knockout stage of the World Cup by dominating Group C, earning 7 points on its way to the first spot. South Korea ended up as one of the best placed third places, finishing Group B with 4 points. Colombia is a big favorite to continue on to the quarterfinals, but the Korean squad will not go down without a tough fight.
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Update: The Colombia vs Korea match ended (7)1-1(8) in favor of the Koreans, Colombia has been knocked out via penalty kicks. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, after a scoreless extra time, 9 penalties had to be shot by both sides until Korea finally won. Disappointing early exit for a Colombia squad that was expected to go further.
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Colombia has scored 5 goals and allowed just 1 so far in this tournament. The South American squad started off group play with a 1-1 draw against a weak Australia, both teams apparently settling for a comfortable result. In its second match against the host nation, Colombia played to win and earned an impressive 1-0 victory over Turkey. Colombia finished off its outstanding group stage performance with a 3-0 trouncing of El Salvador; winning Group C, eliminating El Salvador, and helping Mexico qualify in the process (Mexico didn’t go too far though).
Colombia’s success is due in great part to Juan Quintero, the 20 year old midfielder that currently plays for Serie A side Pescara. Quintero is widely regarded as a promising youth, and should become a leading figure in the national side in a few years. For now, Quintero has been busy running U-20 Colombia’s offense and scoring some goals himself. Quintero has scored twice, and has one assist under his name, that is, he has provided 3/5 of Colombia’s offense.
The Colombia vs Korea match might be decided by the display of Quintero on the field, although he has supporting figures that could also make an important contribution. Jhon Cordoba, the 20 year old striker, has scored 2 goals for Colombia in this tournament. Currently playing for Dorados (Mexican second division) after a disappointing season in Mexico’s top flight with Jaguares, the “Colombian Drogba” is nonetheless a key player for the Colombian squad. Cordoba is a powerful striker that can bang in the goals if given the right passes.
Look for Cordoba and Quintero to team up on the attack and generate plenty of scoring opportunities. This attacking duo should prove to be a nightmare for the Korean defense.
On the other end of the pitch, Korea ended Group play with 4 points, but they truly struggled. Korea barely defeated Cuba 2-1, the Caribbean squad would go on to allow 8 goals in its next two matches. Korea then drew 2-2 against Portugal, and finished group play with a 1-0 loss to Nigeria. This Korean squad has limited attacking skills, and will focus on defense in its match against Colombia.
Colombia vs Korea Prediction
The South American team is a big favorite, Colombia has played very well, possesses some very talented players, and will face a Korean squad that has failed to impress. If Juan Quintero has a decent game, expect Colombia to cruise past Korea without any issues. The Colombia vs Korea match will end in a 3-0 victory for Colombia.
Colombia vs Korea Television
The Colombia vs Korea match will be televised on ESPNU and Univision Deportes this Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 11 AM Pacific.
