France U20 Held to 0-0 Draw in World Cup Opener against South Africa
SANTIAGO, CHILE – France’s Under-20 team was unable to break the deadlock against South Africa Monday evening, finishing their opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with a 0-0 draw. Despite early pressure and a promising opportunity from Tadjidine Mmadi, the young French side couldn’t find the back of the net.
The match, kicking off at 10 p.m. local time, saw France attempt to replicate the success of the 1998 French national team against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, but were met with staunch defense. The French team,depleted of several key players retained by their clubs – including Doué,zaïre-Emery,and Bouaddi - pressed high throughout the game,but South Africa consistently cleared their lines. Mmadi had a chance to put France ahead but his strike narrowly missed the frame of the goal.
Lineups:
France: Olmetta – Jubuku, bourgault, Zidale, Zidale – Nzgore, Nisconomh, Benama, Bemont, Michal, Mmadi.
South Africa: Smythe-Low – Tiwani, Nkwali, smith – Rapoo, Cako, Maku, Phili – April, Ahheshene, Letlhaku.
Elsewhere in Group A,the United States will face New Caledonia later Monday/Tuesday. The tournament is also notable for the introduction of the ”green card,” utilized by Morocco on Sunday to overturn a penalty decision after a video review.
