Group B analysis: Mexico, Italy, Japan, Ecuador - FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019 teams

Topics: FIFA U-20 World Cup, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Ecuador, TV Schedules, TV Listings

This will be one of the most competitive groups in the competition, especially due to the quality shown by all of the teams involved.

One of the most interesting groups in the FIFA U-20 World Cup will undoubtedly be Group B. Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, and Japan will lock horns between them to determine which sides make it to the next round. Two spots are up for grabs, while a third one could be added if the third place is ranked among the top four in the tournament.

Italy's fine defensive game, Mexico's offensive style of play, Japan's disciplined stance and Ecuador as the biggest surprise of the South American bunch will try to make the most out of their performance in this competition, and fans will surely be rewarded when they watch these teams on the pitch.

Let's have a closer look at how each team gets to this tournament.

Ecuador

The South American team gets to this tournament with their minds set on showing the world why they won CONMEBOL's qualifiers. Leonardo Campana is the man to watch for the Mini Tricolor, since he was the top scorer in the South American Qualifiers. Leandro Celico's men will try to prove that their performance in that competition was not a fluke, and those who underestimate them could be in for a nasty surprise. After all, eliminating Brazil from this tournament was no easy feat.

Italy

The Azzurrini reached the third place of the 2017 FIFA U-20 WC, meaning that their presence in this tournament is not a surprise. Added to that, they made it to the tournament set to take place in Poland after losing the title match against Portugal in the European Qualifiers, which may force them to leave a lasting impression this time out. Without a doubt, Alberigo Evani's men have to be taken seriously by all teams involved in the tournament, especially by those who will battle for a spot in the next round with them.

Japan

The Samurai Blue ended a 10-year hiatus in these competitions in 2017, where they managed to make it to the Round of 16. Keiichiro Nuno's crew needs to prove that finishing third in the Asian Qualifiers was just product of a bad day, and making some adjustments to their tactics could see them reach the latter stages of the competition.

Mexico

The Mexican side gets to this tournament after being the runner up in their region's qualifiers. Diego Ramírez's men will base their hopes on José Juan Macías and Diego Lainez, who have created a society that could see Mexico reach the deciding stages of the competition. No wonder why both are being considered as two options to win the Best Player Award this summer.

FIFA U-20 World Cup fixtures - Group B