ريمونتادا ونصف درزن يقودان جنوب أفريقيا وفرنسا لثمن نهائي مونديال الشباب

The South African and French teams accompanied the United States, the leader of Group E, to the knockout stage of the Under-20 World Cup currently taking place in Chile. South Africa achieved a valuable victory over the United States, which topped the group, allowing them to rise to second place. France secured their qualification to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams after a wide victory over New Caledonia with a score of 6-0.

At the Al Teniente Stadium, the South African team turned around a one-goal deficit against the United States to win 2-1. The match saw American dominance that resulted in an early goal from Noah Cobb, who headed a set piece from Matthew Corcoran into the net (12'). However, the South African response was quick, as the equalizer came just a few minutes later when defender Joshua Winder mistakenly scored an own goal while trying to clear a cross (17'). In stoppage time of the first half, Gomolemo Kekana managed to score the second goal (45+2).

With this result, South Africa raised their points to 6, securing a ticket to the Round of 16. As for the United States, despite the loss, they topped Group E on goal difference and will face Italy in the next round, while South Africa will meet Colombia, the leader of Group F.

This marks South Africa's first advancement to the knockout stages of the Under-20 World Cup since the 2009 edition in Egypt, and they achieved a new historic milestone by winning two matches for the first time in their history in the tournament.

In the other match, the French team crushed New Caledonia with six goals to none, scored by: Andrea Le Bourne with a hat trick (11', 82', 90+3'), Lucas Michel with two goals (55', 84'), and Gabin Bernardo (90+1). With this victory, France finished the group stage in third place in Group E with six points, qualifying as one of the best four third-placed teams, and will face Japan in the Round of 16.