MATCHDAY PREVIEW –** **As if to make amends for their failure to qualify for New Zealand 2015 on the back of lifting the U-20 World Cup trophy at Turkey 2013, France stormed to the 2016 UEFA European U-19 Championship title and will look to seize this chance to reassert their credentials on the global stage. But the European champions' first opponents, Honduras, promise to be no pushover. Showcasing their trademark organisation and resolute defending, the Hondurans were runners-up at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and are determined to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

Over in Incheon, meanwhile, CONCACAF champions USA face off against 2017 South American Youth Championship runners-up Ecuador. Having defeated old foes Mexico in qualifying en route to securing their first-ever continental title at this level, the Stars and Stripes are sure to be a force to be reckoned with. The other Group F game between Saudi Arabia and Senegal will follow immediately after, to be followed in turn by the encounter between debutants Vietnam and New Zealand, the hosts of the last edition of this competition.

The games Group E: France-Honduras | Vietnam-New Zealand Group F: Ecuador-USA | Saudi Arabia-Senegal

What you need to know

1

France have been weakened by the absence of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, both of whom starred in their run to European glory. Without them, Jean-Kevin Augustin – who was another key figure in that conquest and has also showcased his talents in France's Ligue 1 – will spearhead the charge for a Bleuets team faced with the challenge of recreating their form from last year.

2

USA have progressed to the quarter-finals four times in the last 14 editions of the U-20 World Cup. Among the squad hoping to emulate those exploits this time round are players to watch like goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, who was an assured presence between the sticks during his defensively sound side's triumphant campaign at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, and captain Erik Palmer-Brown, who also shone in that tournament.

3

Vietnam, FIFA U-20 World Cup debutants along with Vanuatu, are not considered a powerhouse at the continental level and were something of an unknown quantity until recently. However, they have reaped the rewards of extensive investment in youth football in the last couple of years and have the potential to cause major upsets at Korea Republic 2017.

4

If the Vietnamese or Vanuatuans are feeling at all daunted as newcomers to the world stage, they would do well to take inspiration from Senegal, who made it all the way to the semi-finals as debutants two years ago in New Zealand.

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