Uruguay defeated Israel 1-0 in the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 at La Plata Stadium in Argentina on Monday (Sept. 9). It was Uruguay’s third appearance in the final. They reached the final in 1997 and 2013, but finished as runners-up in both. Going for their first title. If South Korea defeats Italy to reach the final, they will face Uruguay.
Uruguay finished second (2-1) behind England in Group E to reach the round of 16. In the round of 16, they defeated Gambia, who were in the same group as South 스포츠토토 Korea, 1-0, and then swept aside “nemesis” USA 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Uruguay qualified for the tournament after finishing second in South American qualifying.
Israel, who made waves by qualifying for the U-20s for the first time in their history, had their journey halted in the quarterfinals. The Israelis turned heads with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in the round of 16 and a 3-2 extra-time victory over ‘favorite’ Brazil in the quarterfinals. The team was praised for its theatrical goal scoring in every game. Israel will play in the third or fourth place match. Still, it’s a huge accomplishment.
Uruguay came out firing in the first half. In the 21st minute, Alan Maruto had a great bicycle kick that was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 27th minute, Andersson Duarte had a chance to take on the keeper, but he was denied by the goalkeeper. Duarte had another great chance in the 37th minute, but his shot went over the bar. Israel struck back in the 24th minute with a sharp shot from Tai Abed.
After a 0-0 first half, Uruguay missed one crucial chance early in the second half. Six minutes into the second half, Duarte’s shot from inside the penalty area hit the post after Franco Gonzalez broke down the right flank. But Duarte made amends in the 16th minute of the second half when he set up the final goal.
After Maturo’s left-footed mid-range shot was blocked by the keeper and the post, Duarte slotted it home for the game-winner. It was Duarte’s third goal of the tournament.
Key members of the Uruguayan A team, Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) and Nicolas Deracruz (River Plate), were on hand to cheer on their younger counterparts and share in the victory.
The much-anticipated final will be held at the same venue on December 12 at 6am.