England, Venezuela braced for big occasion

AFTERr 22 days of competition, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 is set to conclude with Venezuela and England both looking to become world champions in the age group for the very first time.
Taking centre stage after the match for third place between Uruguay and Italy, the two finalists will step out at the Suwon World Cup Stadium today at 19:00hrs (local time) with designs on lifting the trophy at the end of the night.

Though neither side were tipped to get this far, both have shown that they deserve to be where they are. While Venezuela were the more impressive in the group phase, winning all three of their matches, the English have been in irresistible form in the knockout phase, all of which points to a very intriguing encounter.
Venezuela’s exceptional run is rich reward for two and a half years of hard work, numerous training camps and no fewer than 37 friendlies. Not for nothing are La Vinotinto the competition’s leading scorers with 14 goals and the most prolific side in terms of attacking statistics: most shots on goal (110), most attempts on target (38) and most shots against the woodwork (5), a stat in which they are level with England.

Meanwhile, Wuilker Farinez has made the fewest saves (13) of the four goalkeepers who contested the semi-finals. Farinez has been outstanding for his team, producing some truly superb stops, though he has been ably supported by his defence.
England are the competition’s fourth-highest scorers with 11 goals, while their keeper Freddie Woodman has had to make only two more saves than Farinez, an indication of the strength of his backline.

Paul Simpson will be pleased to have midfielder Josh Onomah available for selection again following his sending-off in the quarter-finals, though the coach has been backed up by his supporting cast, having used every member of his squad so far with the exception of third-choice keeper Luke Southwood.

(FIFA.com)