The world turns its attention towards Argentina as the FIFA U-20 World Cup begins with the first match between Guatemala and New Zealand at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on Saturday evening. The two teams know that three points will be worth their weight in gold to their qualification chances in Group A.
The wait is over! The official song of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™ is here! 🏆 🎵 @WEIRDGENIUS_ | @imlyodra | @zivamagnolyeah | @initiaraandini
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 12, 2023
Both sides are not new to each other. They met in a friendly earlier this year in an encounter that produced goals. Who will end up taking all three points in this game? We'll wait and see.
Guatemala U-20 vs New Zealand U-20 Match Preview
Guatemala
SCENES! Guatemala’s U-20s beat Mexico’s in penalties to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup—while ensuring Mexico won’t be at that tournament or the 2024 Olympics 😱 🇬🇹
(via @FOXSoccer)pic.twitter.com/D0iURsivxx
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) June 30, 2022
The Central American country is coming into this FIFA World Cup fixture tagged as the giant killers. They will hope to reproduce their performance from the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Rafael Loredo's side won all three friendlies in February, scoring seven goals. They will be eager to get off on a good note against a New Zealand side they put to the sword in one of their last friendlies.
New Zealand
New Zealand has been drawn in Group A, and Fiji is in Group B for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina next month.⚽🇳🇿🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/nlNp13G2M7
— OFC Oceania Football (@OFCfootball) April 21, 2023
New Zealand will want to put aside their disappointing goalless draw with Ecuador a couple of days ago as they take on an opponent they lost against in 2023. Darren Bazeley will love to oversee a win to put his side in a good position in the group. However, they will have to put in a good shift to emerge victorious in this game.
Guatemala U-20 vs New Zealand U-20 Match Predictions
Below are our match predictions for this FIFA World Cup game. You can use the insights to earn big. Use the Betway sign up offer or Bet365 bonus code if you're a new user in Nigeria.
Jay Herdman out to be New Zealand's game-changer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentinahttps://t.co/UTqP54qZ6t
— Richard Scott 👣 (@richardscott187) May 9, 2023
1st Prediction: Guatemala to Win
Rafael Loredo's boys are in high spirits ahead of this encounter. They're eager to have a decent showing in this tournament, and they'll love to start with a win over New Zealand. They defeated their opponents earlier this year and will look to string another win. Also, Los Chapines are on the back of three wins in their last three games. We fancy them to take all the points.
2nd Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
We anticipate a high-scoring affair. Guatemala, also known as Los Chapines, has seen three goals at least in two of their last three friendlies this year. Similarly, New Zealand has seen three of four matches played this year produce a minimum of three goals. With this in mind, we feel three goals will be scored in this FIFA U-20 World Cup fixture.
Head-to-Head Matches
The two countries have met once in this age category in a match played in February this year. It ended New Zealand U-20 1-3 Guatemala U-20.
Guatemala U-20 vs New Zealand U-20 Lineups
Official lineups for this match will be out an hour before kick-off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guatemala vs New Zealand
What time will the Guatemala-New Zealand FIFA U-20 World Cup match kick off?
This FIFA U-20 World Cup match will kick off at 3 PM local time in Argentina.
Which venue will host Guatemala vs New Zealand FIFA World Cup match?
This FIFA U-20 World Cup match will be played at the Santiago del Estero Stadium in Argentina.
Who are the bookies' favourites to win this FIFA World Cup match?
New Zealand is favourites to win this FIFA U-20 World Cup match.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago