New Zealand v USA - U-20 FIFA World Cup - Last 16

Tuesday 30 May, 2:30pm (Local) / Wednesday 31 May, 5:30am (NZ)

Estadio Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina


After a win, draw and a loss in the group stage, New Zealand U-20 are through to the Last 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup where they will face the USA for a place in the quarter-finals. 

Off the back of winning the CONCACAF qualifiers convincingly, USA have carried on their form, winning every single game so far at the tournament without conceding any goals. Full of confidence, they will be hoping for a deep run in the competition. 


What Darren Bazeley said about USA: 

“It’s a great opportunity to make history against a great team but in saying that, it’s just another game. In previous times we made it (potentially making it past the round of 16) a big occasion, hyped it up to make history, while that is important, it’s just another game that we have to go out and play our best in.”

“We’ve watched all their games, they are a good team, they provide a good challenge. They’ve got good players who are a threat to goal and provide great moments if given the ball in the right place, but we have those players too and, on any day, especially in knock-out ties, any team can beat any team.”

“We are going into the tie confident, but aware of the danger and quality they have. We are keen to go out there and give them a game and this is the opportunity to do that. They are a good strong team and it’s going to be a major challenge.”




Likely team: 

With it being knockout football, Bazeley will look to play his strongest team but once again highlighted the importance of making sure all his players are fit and healthy first.

“Fortunately, we have a few players that are rested and in a good space ready for the game ahead but we’ve also got players that have played heavy minutes and players that are fatigued.

We need everyone who is playing to be 100% at it, ready to fight and work and go through what they’re going to go through. We want to get into the game and get a feel for it and just feel comfortable again at that level.”
 

Key player to watch: Cade Cowell

19-year-old Cowell has had a promising World Cup campaign with two goals already, meanwhile for his club side San Jose Earthquakes he has played provider with two assists in MLS so far this season. His pace and dribbling are his biggest strengths while he can also finish with both feet, which he has demonstrated with his goals against Slovakia and Fiji. Denying the MLS winger time on the ball and space to run into will be an important part of slowing down USA’s impressive offense. 


How to watch: 

Live on Sky Sport NZ from (NZ)

Article added: Tuesday 30 May 2023