From 1st to 21st November, the CONCACAF U20 Championship is held in Bradenton (Florida, USA). Thirty-four nations, divided into six groups, take part in a preliminary round. The leader of each group will qualify for a final round where six nations, divided into two groups, will try to clinch one of the four qualifying spots for the U20 World Cup. During the Matchday 1 of the preliminary round, many players seen previously at the Maurice Revello Tournament have shone.
Mexico – Nicaragua : 7-0
The Mexicans stole the show as they hammered their opponent in their opening game. The Chivas Guadalajara striker José Macias, who took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament 2018, netted a brace. It should be noted that both Carlos Vargas and Diego Lainez have been included as well in the Mexico starting line-up.
Group B : Mexico 3 pts, Jamaica 3 pts, Saint Martin 1 pt, Aruba 1 pt, Grenada 0 pt, Nicaragua 0 pt.
Cuba – Belize : 6-1
Danny Echevarria Diaz and Juan Andreus Milanes, both seen at the Maurice Revello Tournament 2017, have started the game and helped their country to clinch a large win. The aim for the Cubans is clear : try to repeat the 2013 heroics. That year, Cuba qualified for the U20 World Cup after finishing fourth at the CONCACAF Championship.
Group C : Honduras 3 pts, Cuba 3 pts, Antigua and Barbuda 3 pts, Belize 0 pt, Sint Marteen 0 pt, Dominican Republic 0 pt..
Canada – Dominica : 4-0
The Canadians have started well their campaign. Noble Okello and Thelonius Bair, who both played the Maurice Revello Tournament 2018, distinguished themselves. The 18-year-old midfielder scored a brace while the Vancouver Whitecaps forward found the net as well.
Group D : Panama 3 pts, Canada 3 pts, Martinique 3 pts, Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis 0 pt, Dominique 0 pt, Guadeloupe 0 pt.
More details about the competition on the CONCACAF official website
Crédits photo : Mi Seleccion & Canada Soccer