Group A

The Big Match

Canada vs. Congo (July 8 in Edmonton) – Canada's final game of the round robin will likely decide whether or not it advances to the second round. Congo will be making its debut at this tournament but they are capable of beating any country.

Schedule

July 1: Canada vs. Chile in Toronto
July 2: Congo vs. Austria in Edmonton
July 5: Austria vs. Canada in Edmonton
July 5: Chile vs. Congo in Edmonton
July 8: Canada vs. Congo in Edmonton
July 8: Chile vs. Austria in Toronto

What The Experts Say

John F. Molinaro, Editor, 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, CBC Sports Online:

It's not the toughest group of the six, but it's not the easiest, either.

Congo isn't one of the traditional African soccer powers, but it did upset Nigeria in the final of this year's African Youth Championship to book its spot at the U-20 World Cup. Austria is back at this tournament for the first time since 1983, but they shouldn't be taken lightly, as they have an outstanding youth program.

Canadian coach Dale Mitchell believes Chile will prove to be the toughest test for his team in the first round.

"Chile is an outstanding technical team. … Physically, I think we'll do OK against them; they're not an Argentina or a Brazil, but they're traditionally the third-best team out of South America at this level," Mitchell told CBC Sports.

Mitchell will be looking to captain David Edgar, a defender who plays in the English Premiership with Newcastle United, to provide Canada with leadership on the field.

Predicted finish: 1. Chile, 2. Canada, 3. Congo, 4. Austria

Mitch Peacock, Commentator, CBC Sports:

This group is an interesting mix with the host team carrying six returnees from the 2005 World Youth Championship in 2005.

Chile arrives with star Alexis Sanchez and some great experience from South American qualifying. Congo comes to Canada as African champs, and Austria makes their first appearance at this tournament in 24 years.

The host Canadians will need all of their top players healthy to have a shot to advance from the group. Led by central defender David Edgar, Dale Mitchell’s side can battle and score but their margin for error is still slim.

Expect Chile and Congo to be strong with Canada finding a way into the second round. Austria will come up short.

Predicted finish: 1.Chile, 2.Congo, 3. Canada, 4.Austria

Nigel Reed, Commentator, CBC Sports:

It’s Canada’s tournament. It’s Canada’s team. Will it be Canada’s day on Canada Day? Surely the host nation will rise to the occasion and play with pride and passion to soccer hungry fans across the nation.

The draw has been relatively kind to Dale Mitchell’s team which possesses genuine quality in players such as Andrea Lombardo, Jaime Peters and David Edgar. A recent victory over the United States and a narrow defeat to World champion Argentina will build confidence in the ranks as Canada tackles Chile, Austria and Congo for the right to earn a place in the knock-out stages.

The Chileans will try to spoil the party in Toronto on July 1st and like all South American teams, expect them to be technically gifted and quick on the break. The Austrians return to this tournament for the first time in 24 years and will want to make up for lost time, while Congo arrives as African Youth champions. They’ll be fit and physical but are untested in this level.

Predicted finish: 1. Canada, 2. Chile, 3. Congo, 4. Austria