Colombia U20 vs New Zealand U20 Predictions

Colombia are now among the favourites to win the Under 20 World Cup this year, having made it into the last 16. Meanwhile, New Zealand are rank outsiders despite some decent displays in the last round. On paper, this should be a real mismatch, with the South Americans continuing their bid for glory. However, will it play out that way? Can the Kiwis produce a huge shock to continue their brilliant run in Poland, or are they going to exit in the second round?

Colombia have high ambitions for this tournament, following a fourth-place finish in their continental competition earlier this year. They certainly kicked things off with a bang, as they saw off Poland 2-0 in the tournament opener. Since then Colombia have looked good, despite being beaten 2-0 by Senegal in their second clash. After finishing up with a 6-0 win over Tahiti, they will be aiming to kick on and get a run going in this tournament. Can they record another victory here?

New Zealand are impressing many back home with their displays, having made it out of the group after just two matches. They kicked off with two wins to nil to book a place 16 place, which has continued their progress at this age level since hosting the tournament in 2015. They started the decade having qualified for back to back World Cups, going out in the group stage. They made it through as hosts in 2015, then again in South Korea two years ago. Now they’re really stepping up their game, but is it enough to trouble Colombia?

The South Americans are aiming to better their furthest run in this competition – which came in their third place finish in 2003. Since then, Colombia have been inconsistent in making it to the tournament, while they’ve been disappointing in the last few they’ve attended. However, the manner of their displays so far does suggest they could go on a run, as does their favourable early draw.

Colombia looked to take a step up in their 6-0 win to finish off the group. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s big wins came early and they look less impressive as a result. The Honduras side they beat 5-0 conceded 12 to Norway, a side who went out after finishing third. New Zealand were found out against Uruguay in their final game, while we see South American opposition proving to be a problem yet again. We’re backing a Colombia win as our tip here.