Watch Colombia vs Costa Rica Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Colombia

VS

Costa Rica

Date/Time:	Aug 10, 2011, 1:00am (GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Colombia face Gonzalez threat again

AFP

Hosts Colombia will come up against an old foe when they take on Costa Rica in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011. Tico coach Ronald Gonzalez was the man who scored the goal that downed Los Cafeteros in the group phase of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989, and will be hoping to inspire a repeat performance from the dugout on Tuesday.

The game
Colombia-Costa Rica, Tuesday 9 August, Bogota, 20.00 (local time)

The stakes
Colombia have been in mightily impressive form in front of their own fans so far, winning all three of their games in Group A while scoring seven goals and conceding just the one. Eduardo Lara’s side return to their El Campin stronghold in Bogota against Los Ticos, confident of taking another step forward in what would be Colombia’s first world title of any description. Although Lara is not expected to make any changes to a settled line-up, he may well be asking five of his players to watch their step, with Pedro Franco, James Rodriguez, Juan Cabezas, Jeison Murillo and Santiago Arias all on yellow cards and just another one away from missing a potential quarter-final.

The Central Americans were far less impressive in winning through to this stage, finishing third in Group C after winning one and losing two of their games, and they will be without the suspended Yeltsin Tejeda for this game. Coach Ronald Gonzalez knows what it takes to beat Colombia, however, having scored the goal that gave Los Ticos a first-round victory over a Cafetero team containing Oscar Cordoba, Jorge Bermudez and Ivan Valenciano at the FIFA U-20 World Cup some 22 years ago.

The stat
2 - The number of goals Costa Rica scored in eliminating host nation Egypt at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, a win masterminded by current coach Gonzalez, who will have a similar outcome in mind against the Colombians.

The words
“You can’t afford to make the slightest mistake from this round on. We’re starting to feel the physical effects now but I can’t ask any more of these boys. Playing in Bogota suits us because we can feel the support of the whole of Colombia there, which makes us stronger. We’re on the right track,” Colombia coach Eduardo Lara.

“Losing to Ecuador was a very bitter pill to swallow, though I’m glad we’ve been given another opportunity to step things up a level. I don’t mind the fact that it’s against Colombia in their backyard, because we’re going to give the best possible account of ourselves,” Costa Rica coach Ronald Gonzalez.

Watch Cameroon vs Mexico Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Cameroon

VS

Mexico

Date/Time:	Aug 10, 2011, 1:00am (GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Mexico test for hungry Lions

Getty Images

Cameroon and Mexico have blown hot and cold en route to the knockout phase of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011. Having clambered their way out of Groups B and F respectively, the two now meet in a Round of 16 tie where the ability to minimise past errors and maximise strengths could make the difference between an early flight home and a place in the last eight.

The game
Cameroon-Mexico, Tuesday 9 August, Pereira, 20.00 (local time)

The stakes
Cameroon have come a long way in their three games so far. Held by New Zealand and then losing their cool in defeat to Portugal, the Junior Lions were on the brink of elimination going into their final group outing against tournament dark horses Uruguay. Martin Ndtoungou’s young side dug deep, however, to snatch an unlikely win and second place in the section, an outcome that has filled them with belief. On the downside, defender Ghislain Mvom is still unavailable due to the red card he picked up against the Portuguese.

Defeated 1-0 by Argentina and held to a goalless draw by England, Mexico owe their place in the Round of 16 to a comfortable win over Group F also-rans Korea DPR. That said, the CONCACAF giants have been in wasteful mood so far, missing a penalty against the English and squandering a hatful of chances against the North Koreans. Coach Juan Carlos Chavez will be hoping his charges are not quite so profligate against the dangerous Cameroonians.

The stat
53 - The number of goal attempts Mexico have so far had at Colombia 2011, only three of which have hit the back of the net, and one of those coming courtesy of a Korea DPR own goal.

What they said
“We don’t have anyone in midfield acting as a link man between the central defenders and the forwards, and I think that’s been causing us a lot of problems. We haven’t been playing the kind of balls where the strikers only to have shoot on goal. They’re having to fight hard every time they get the possession and obviously that’s not very easy,” Cameroon forward Franck Ohandza.

“Cameroon are a powerful, pacy team and they’re strong in defence, though we get the impression that they’re not so good on the ball or in front of goal. We’ve reached the stage now where it’s a question of win or die, and mentally we’re ready to win,” Mexico forward Saul Villalobos.

Watch Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming FA Community Shield

Manchester United

VS

Manchester City

Date/Time:	Aug 7, 2011, 2:00pm(GMT)
Competition:	England FA Community Shield
Live/Repeat:	Live

Manchester United vs Manchester City Match Preview

Manchester United and Manchester City will face off in a high stakes FA Community Shield on Sunday.

Manchester rivals United and City will battle for the FA Community Shield on Sunday.

Traditionally a low intensity curtain raiser, the sub plot of City trying to score psychological points as they try to usurp their Manchester neighbors will add an edge to this game.

Premier League winners United broke Liverpool’s record for most English titles last season, while City’s FA Cup victory ended a 35 year trophy drought.

Summer signings Ashley Young and Phil Jones could start for United, while young Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea is battling Anders Lindegaard for the start in goal.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will miss out due to concussion for United, while Darren Fletcher is also unavailable. Antonio Valencia and Brazilian defender Rafael are also sidelined with injury.

United may also rest starters such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic for all or part of the game. The trio played at least 45 minutes on Friday night when United beat the New York Cosmos 6-0.

City look set to field some new faces, including club record signing Sergio Aguero who is expected to play a part from the bench. Stefan Savic and former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy also look likely to play.

Renowned Manchester hater Carlos Tevez is on leave and will not play for City. His absence could save him an ear bashing from both sets of supporters.

With United looking to shut up the “noisy neighbors,” and City looking to show early signs of a Blue Moon rising over Manchester you can be sure of one thing in this preseason game. It will not be a friendly.

Watch Croatia vs Guatemala Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Croatia

VS

Guatemala

Date/Time:	Aug 7, 2011, 1:00 am(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Croatia, Guatemala playing for pride

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Croatia and Guatemala meet in what will be their final match in Group D, and what is also likely to be the teams’ final appearance at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. With two losses apiece, each side will be searching for their first points of the tournament, with debutants Guatemala particularly anxious to make their mark before heading home.

The match
Croatia-Guatemala, 6 August, 20.00 (local time), Armenia

The stakes
Though arguably with a better pedigree at this level, having made the Round of 16 at the 1999 edition of the tournament, Croatia will be taking nothing for granted against the Central Americans after disappointing thus far in Colombia. The Europeans started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia before succumbing 5-2 to Nigeria on Wednesday.

The other edge they have over their CONCACAF opponents is the two goals they scored against the African table-toppers. Guatemala are yet to find the target in Colombia and have conceded 11 times in their two outings, five against Nigeria and six against Saudi Arabia.

However, Ivan Grnja will be missing dead-ball specialist Zvonko Pamic, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the group stage against Nigeria. This may provide a degree of comfort to beleaguered Guatemala coach Ever Almeida, whose underperforming front and back lines remain a riddle he has yet to solve.

The stat
7 – The number of goals scored by Croatia at the UEFA European U-19 Championship 2010, and the number they have conceded since arriving in Colombia.

The words
Ivan Grnja, Croatia coach: “We’ll keep working and try to put on a good performance against Guatemala. We’re missing Pamic, who is a key member of our side, but we’ll still be going for the win.”

Willian Ramirez, Guatemala defender: “It will be another tough game against a difficult opponent, and we’re not expecting any favours. We have to sit down and take a long look at the mistakes we’ve been making if we’re going to get past Croatia.”

Watch Saudi Arabia vs Nigeria Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Saudi Arabia

VS

Nigeria

Date/Time:	Aug 7, 2011, 1:00 am(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia battle for top spot

Getty Images

With both sides already assured of qualifying from Group D of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, Saturday’s clash between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in the city of Pereira will decide which of these teams will top the section, after both recorded impressive victories over Croatia and Guatemala.

The match
Saudi Arabia-Nigeria, 6 August, 20.00 (local time), Pereira

The stakes
As if to prove their 5-0 demolition of Guatemala was no accident, Nigeria crashed another five past a hapless Croatia on Wednesday, albeit with Flying Eagles goalkeeper Dami Paul being beaten twice along the way. The African side go into their contest with Saudi Arabia needing a draw to maintain first place in Group D, which would see them play their Round of 16 tie in Armenia.

For his part, Saudi Arabia coach Khalid Al Koroni is also keen to go back to Armenia, the scene of his side’s opening two triumphs. “The team likes Armenia,” he said. “We’re used to it!” To get there, though, the youngsters from the Gulf Kingdom will need to do better than during their last meeting with Nigeria – a draw in an international friendly on 13 March last year.

In what is sure to be a thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on Saudi goalkeeper Abdullah Al Sdairi and his stalwart back line. Their defence is yet to concede a goal in the group stage but now come up against a rampant Nigeria attack, spearheaded by the gifted Ahmed Musa with able support from Olarenwaju Kayode and Uche Nwofor.

The stat
1 – The number of times the two sides have met at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The previous meeting came at the 1989 edition in Saudi Arabia, when the Nigerians won 2-1 en route to a runners-up spot.

The words
Khalid Al Koroni, Saudi Arabia coach: “We’re going to try to win this match and the group, although it’s not going to be easy as Nigeria are a strong side. We faced them in a friendly not long ago and they were well-organised and tough to beat.”

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria forward: “We have to win against Saudi to merit top spot in Group D and that’s what we’re focused on at the moment. Morale is high in the squad and I believe things will go well.”

Watch Australia vs Spain Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Australia

VS

Spain

Date/Time:	Aug6, 2011, 10:00pm(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

All or nothing for Young Socceroos

Getty Images

Spain are guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 and are all but sure of top spot in Group C, while Australia will likely require nothing short of three points to join them in the knockout phase.

The game
Australia-Spain, Saturday 6 August, Manizales, 5:00pm (local time)

The stakes
Having taken just one point from two matches, a draw is unlikely to be enough to extend the Young Socceroos' stay in Colombia. The Aussies, therefore, have to go for broke. In Tommy Oar they have a player who has scored twice thus far, while Jan Versleijen must decide whether to reinstall fan favoruite Mustafa Amini to his starting XI after the No10 impressed from the bench against Costa Rica. Central to Autralia's hopes of victory will be whether Julen Lopetegui picks a full-strength side or rests his first-choice players. Spain are all but guaranteed top spot, but how important will the 44-year-old regard going through with a 100 per cent record?

The stat
1 – The total of group-stage matches Spain have lost at the FIFA U-20 World Cup since a team including Santaigo Canizares, Albert Ferrer and Urzaiz fell 4-2 to a Lars Bohinen-inspired Norway in 1989. Thereafter, La Roja have 22 victories, three draws and one defeat, courtesy of Argentina's 2-1 success in 2003.

The words
“It doesn't matter what team Spain put out, they'll be strong in defence, strong in midfield and strong in attack. But we believe we can do it. If we have the right game plan and play to our full ability, we can get the three points,” Trent Sainsbury, Australia defender.

“Regardless of what the situation is, we want to beat Australia. We want to have the pride of going through with a 100 per cent record as we have done in the past. They have improved a lot in recent years, but we will be doing our best to get the win,” Sergio Canales, Spain attacking midfielder.

Watch Ecuador vs Costa Rica Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Ecuador

VS

Costa Rica

Date/Time:	Aug 6, 2011, 10:00pm(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

High stakes in Pereira

The stakes are almighty in Pereira. Ecuador and Costa Rica are chasing a place in the Round of 16, yet both know they could finish the match having been eliminated from the competition.

The game
Ecuador-Costa Rica, Saturday 6 August, Pereira, 5:00pm (local time)

The stakes
Ecuador and Costa Rica will be hoping Spain, who are effectively assured of top spot in Group C, do them a favour by denying Australia the chance to progress. However, given that the Iberians are already through and may, therefore, have less urgency to win their final first-phase match, La Tri and Los Ticos will want to leave nothing to chance. A draw will ensure the Costa Ricans finish above their opponents and likely see them advance, while the Ecuadorians need a victory to end up second in the pool, though a point could also see them progress.

The stat
10 – The low percentage of matches Costa Rica have drawn at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Los Ticos have finished all square on only three occasions in 29 outings. Only Argentina have drawn a less percentage of games in the tournament.

The words
Juan Govea, Ecuador forward: “We deserve more than a point from out [two] matches. We must make sure that against Costa Rica we not only play well but we win. We can't fall to sleep towards the end of the game.We are confident. They are a good team with a very good player [in Joel Campbell], but we have a lot of good players and we don't want to go home.”

Joel Campbell, Costa Rica forward: “We could lose and still go through, but that would not please us. We are going for the win. Ecuador are a good team and they need the victory, but we will listen to our coach, play our own game and hopefully emerge victorious. We are a team to be reckoned with and we want to prove that again.”