Expectation levels were high in Ottawa for the footballing fiesta on offer in Group E. Drawn together were the title holders, the European Championship semi-finalists and the reigning Asian champions, while minnows Panama were also determined to play their part. After a goalless opening matchday, the section burst into life with goals and incidents aplenty.
How it finished
1. Argentina, 7 points
2. Czech Republic, 5 points
3. Korea DPR, 2 points
4. Panama, 1 point
What's next
Argentina - Poland, 12 July, Toronto
Japan - Czech Republic, 11 July, Victoria
What happened
•Argentina: Outstanding performances from keeper Sergio
Romero, Ever Banega in midfield and forward Sergio '
El Kun' Aguero, helped ease the reigning champions
into first place. Yet to concede a goal, the
Albicelestes brought their full array of attacking talent
to bear in the 6-0 win against Panama. Defending champions looking
good in quest to defend their title.
•Czech Republic: Miroslav Soukup's side mirrored their
European qualifying campaign with their tactically disciplined
displays, picking up five points along the way. A sprinkling of
individual quality from the likes of Martin Fenin and Marek Suchy
and an indefatigable fighting spirit mean that Czech optimism could
prove well-founded.
•KoreaDPR: Putting in a series of nerveless performances on this
their first FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Asian champions earned the
admiration of Canadian supporters. Poor finishing proved to be
their downfall, particularly against Panama and Argentina.
Nevertheless, striker Kum Il Kim was able to establish himself as a
real fans' favourite.
•Panama: The
Canaleros started off promisingly with a point against the
North Koreans, their first at a FIFA World Cup. A 6-0 thrashing by
Argentina in their second game cruelly dashed Panamanian hopes on
their third consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign. Luis Mejia
and Gabriel Torres showed glimpses of future promise.
Moments to savour
• A superb display by Panama
keeper Luis Mejia in his side's opener against Korea DPR. At
just 16 years of age, Mejia's heroics helped the
Canaleros to their first FIFA World Cup point.
• Kum Il Kim's stunning
goal against Czech Republic, his country's first-ever strike in
the history of this competition.
• The protective face masks
worn by Czech Republic's Marek Suchy and Argentina's
Lautaro Acosta that, while less than aesthetically pleasing, were
certainly practical.
• Sergio Aguero's
celebrations after his free-kick goal against Korea DPR. The
diminutive forward ran 30 metres to embrace Damian Escudero,
sidelined after a muscle injury.
• The rousing ovation given by
fans in Ottawa to the North Korean players. Stirring applause and
genuine warmth marked the Asian debutants' farewell to Canada
2007.
The numbers game
Argentina's four goals in seven minutes against
Panama set a new FIFA U-20 World Cup record, beating Brazil's
four in nine minutes against Korea Republic at Malaysia 1997.
The final word
Miroslav Soukup, Czech Republic coach: "The
0-0 draw against Argentina was a historic result for us. In fact,
I'm certain that it was one of the biggest moments in the
careers of the players and the coaching staff. What do I aspire to
achieve in football? Well, it would have been a dream come true to
have won that game!"
