Group D

The Big Match

Brazil vs. the U.S. (July 6 in Ottawa) – Brazil is the class of this group, but don't expect the Americans to just lie down in this game. The U.S. will be looking to knock off the Selecao and send a message to the rest of the tournament field.

Schedule

June 30: Poland vs. Brazil in Montreal
June 30: South Korea vs. United States in Montreal
July 3: United States vs. Poland in Montreal
July 3: Brazil vs. South Korea in Montreal
July 6: Brazil vs. United States in Ottawa
July 6: Poland vs. South Korea in Montreal

What The Experts Say

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

Brazil is considered the runaway favourites in this group for good reason.

The Brazilians romped to a first-place finish in the South American qualifiers, scoring an impressive 20 goals along the way. The Selecao have plenty of depth and experience – their four under-20 World titles ranks second only to Argentina, who have won five.

U.S. national team coach Thomas Rongen has built a strong and well-organized side, led by teen sensation Freddy Adu. The Ghanaian-born playmaker is a joy to watch and will bamboozle defenders with his slick moves.

Don't overlook Poland. The Poles have one of the better youth programs in Europe and star striker Dawid Janczyk has already drawn comparisons with legendary Juventus star and Polish national team legend Zbigniew Boniek.

South Korea, a regular fixture at this tournament, struggled through the Asian qualifiers and will be lucky to finish third.

Predicted finish: 1. Brazil, 2. United States, 3. Poland, 4. South Korea

Mitch Peacock, Commentator, CBC Sports:

Much of the attention in Group D will go to Brazil and rightly so, but there are two other sides that could also be heard from in this quartet.

The Brazilians reached Canada in style by taking the South American title despite some ups-and-downs in the competition. Forward Alexandre Pato garnering world-wide attention for his role in helping Internacional to the FIFA Club World Cup title, but coach Nelson Rodrigues' side is very deep and has the kind of quality capable of bringing home a fifth under-20 World crown.

The United States and South Korea also hold potential and should both find their way into the second round. Real Salt Lake's Freddy Adu is set for his third appearance at this competition, and leads a U.S. side that is has to be considered among their best yet. As for Cho Dong-Hyun's outfit, third place in the Asian qualifiers isn't telling the full story as they fell to Japan on penalties in the semifinals to end their title bid.

Poland has talent from players like striker David Janczyk, but advancing to Canada on goal-difference from UEFA qualifying doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

Predicted finish: 1. Brazil, 2. United States, 3. South Korea, 4. Poland

Nigel Reed, Commentator, CBC Sports:

Just how good is Freddy Adu? Will he truly become the best soccer player ever produced by the United States, or is it much Adu about nothing? Perhaps we’ll have a more definitive answer after this summer.

Already a seasoned MLS veteran, the teenager will captain his country in Montreal and Ottawa where the mighty Brazilians will start as group favourites. The South American champions are almost as successful at under-20 level as the senior team is at the World Cup itself.

The youngsters have won the junior title on four occasions and been runners-up twice more. At any age, natural Brazilian flair and the incessant samba beat can strike fear into the heart of any opponent.