US Soccer surprises in the U-20 group stage and faces Italy in the round of 16

The United States national team advanced to the round of 16 of the U-20 World Cup with an impressive group stage campaign. Marko Mitrovic's team now faces Italy, second in Group D, in a head-to-head match for a spot in the quarterfinals.

⚽️ An overwhelming start

The campaign began with a thrashing of New Caledonia: 9-1 on the scoreboard and a stellar performance by Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma, former Inter Miami) and Cole Campbell. The first half ended 7-0, and even with the pace slowing in the second half, the Yankees closed out the game with a historic rout.

🇫🇷 Epic comeback against France U-20

The second challenge was the most anticipated: a duel against the favorite, France. The USA struggled, and its top players created little. The scenario only changed with the introduction of Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), a standout in MLS and already scouted by European clubs like Genk.

Gozo was decisive: he scored the first goal in the 85th minute, assisted on the second in the 88th, and even hit the post on the play that led to the third American goal. Final score: 3-0 and qualification on track.

🇿🇦 Defeat to South Africa — and the end of the line for France

In the third game, with their spot virtually assured, the USA fielded an alternate lineup against South Africa. Noah Cobb opened the scoring, but Joshua Wynder scored an own goal, and the South Africans capitalized on the momentum to come back in the first half.

In the final half, the Americans pressed, but were unable to avoid a 2-1 defeat. Even so, they advanced in first place in the group. France, on the other hand, was eliminated.

🇮🇹 What to expect from the duel against Italy

The round of 16 looks promising for the USYNT. Italy arrives without much spark, but with a squad packed with players from clubs like Juventus, Milan, and even Real Madrid. In the group stage, they played hard against Argentina and showed defensive strength.

Mitrovic is expected to field a full-strength squad, and Gozo, Cremaschi, and Campbell are expected to be in the starting lineup together. The American generation has been exciting and has already shown they can compete with any team.