AMDEP5464. Talca (Chile), 05/10/2025.- Colombia players form this Sunday, prior to a match F of the U-20 World Cup between Nigeria and Colombia at the Talca fiscal stadium, in Talca (Chile). EFE/ Benjamín Hernández
Photo: EFE – Benjamín Hernández
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Colombia's Sub-20 National Team fulfilled its first major objective at the 2025 World Cup: advance to the round of 16. The team led by César Torres tied with Nigeria on the last day of Group F and assured the lead, despite matching points and goal difference with Norway.
The first place in the area was for the tricolor for clean play: a yellow card less inclined the balance in favor of the national team. The balance of the national team in the group stage was a triumph and two draws.
Colombia beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the debut, then equalized without goals with Norway and closed with parity against Nigeria (1-1), in an intense duel that tested the defensive solidity of the tricolor team. He scored two goals and received just one.
“We wanted to be first, we wanted to look for it and we tried until the end. No one can deny that we went to look for the game. In the Colombia Sub-20 team what is missing is for our new to make goal,” Torres acknowledged, with self-critical tone.
The Vallecaucano strategist valued the collective effort and maturity of its squad. “This team is not confident. They want to win, they want to have a game with definition and we have not been able to get it, but I am sure it will arrive,” said the coach.
Colombia will now focus on the eighth duel against South Africa, next Wednesday, October 8 at 2:30 PM (Colombian time). The meeting will be played at the Talca Fiscal Stadium, a family scenario for those led by Torres, which will avoid additional transfers and wear.
The round of 16 will have a wide South American presence: in addition to Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay will be. They also classified two teams from Concacaf (United States and Mexico), five European (Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Norway and France), three Africans (Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria) and two Asians (Japan and South Korea).
Thus were the round of 16 of the Chilean World Cup 2025:
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