Buenos Aires: Just over a month after taking over for Indonesia as the host nation and player of the Under-20 World Cup, Argentina will play on the tournament's opening day on Saturday.
After such a dramatic race to the start line, 24 competing teams and soccer's international governing body can breathe a sigh of relief.Four cities in Argentina will feature some of the sport's best young prospects while the South American nation is still celebrating Lionel Messi and his national team's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Protests in Muslim-majority Indonesia against hosting the Israel team forced FIFA into a very late switch of venues. Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.Defending champion and war-torn Ukraine will not take part, which makes continental champions England, Brazil and Senegal favorites to lift the title. Argentina, the record sixtime champion, failed to qualify initially but FIFA decided it should take the guaranteed spot as tournament host. Coached by Argentina great Javier Mascherano, the hosts are aiming to emulate the team of 2001 and clinch the title on home soil. Mascherano held the Argentine record for most international caps until it was broken by Messi, who won the 2005 under-20 World Cup at the start of illustrious career.
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