Even though Palmeiras only conceded 8 goals in the local championship, in 12 games, I still think they will let in at least one during regular time against Chelsea. The question is whether they will be able to score themselves. In the Serie A tournament, they scored 12 goals in 12 games, averaging 1 per game. In the group matches, they only scored against Porto, but their Xg (Expected goals) rating was 2.08. Miami Inter and Al Ahly both conceded 2 goals. The Brazilian quarter-final ended 0-0 and Palmeiras only advanced through extra time.
Chelsea looks very strong in attack - 10 goals in 4 games. They won 2-0 against Los Angeles, 3-0 against a Tunisian team, and lost 3-1 to Flamengo (Jackson was sent off for a rough challenge in the 68th minute). They won 4-1 after extra time against Benfica in the quarter-finals (regular time was 1-1).
I think both teams will score at least one goal.
The eliminated and seemingly weak opponents, but I hope for an even more serious game and attitude from the United States. The young U19 American team dominates and easily defeats their rivals, while their opponents only managed to win 1 game against El Salvador by 2 points. The very weak composition and gameplay of the opponents allows us to hope for another guaranteed victory for the US against Peru.
America against Canada, so when it is traditional to see a lot of points in men's or youth team matchups, so I hope for the same from this meeting. The USA is very successful, averaging over 100 points per game, and Canada also loosened up after their first game. I believe this game will be crucial and when two teams play better, just run and shoot, that's all we can expect.
This tournament is much more favorable for South American teams. It takes place in the USA, where they are used to hot temperatures, and at the local championship. Fluminense had two draws against Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns and defeated Ulsan 4-2 in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, they also beat Milano Inter. Al Hilal finished their local championship a month ago and came second in the Saudi Arabia league. They have great numbers in attack, but not so good in defense, as seen in this tournament. In the group stage, they had draws against Real Madrid and Salzburg, and defeated Pachuca from Mexico. In the knockout rounds, they sensationally beat Manchester City (4-3 in extra time). City played a bit better, but Al Hilal had their chances. However, I believe it is much harder for European teams, after a tough season, to adapt to this tournament. Without their top scorer Mitrović, Al Hilal is a 50/50 match, but I would give a little edge to the Brazilians. It would be great to see the Brazilians dominate them, as it would make them think that the Saudi Arabia league is the strongest in the world.
FIBA U19 World Cup
In the New Zealand group matches, they defeated Argentina, Mali, and lost to Serbia. In the playoffs, they defeated China by 13 points. It's strange to evaluate group matches, where all teams move on, under pressure to win.
Switzerland is shining at home. In the group matches, unexpectedly, they crushed the Israeli basketball players who were not at full strength and unprepared, followed by two wins against Peru and Jordan and the Dominican Republic. In the playoffs, the Swiss caused a sensation and defeated France after overtime (it was possible to get a 10 and over coefficient). In the Swiss team, 3 players play in the USA and one in Spain. I think 9.5 is too much. The Swiss can play well at home, I'd like to take a risk with Peru, but I won't risk it 😁
I think the Arabs are a bit better, having bought better players with their oil money and playing good football with new coaches, beating City (of course, it may have been a bit lucky that the goalkeeper was in form, but they still managed to score 4 goals against City). They played well against Madrid, maybe even better than Madrid. Fluminense, on the other hand, I think their good period will come to an end, even though they won against Inter, but Inter wasn't playing its best after saying goodbye to the coach. Inzaghi showed good form both with Inter and Al Hilal. Overall, I think Al Hilal will be in the finals.
Two running teams. Germany has a great young generation, so their future is bright. Fast, high-quality game with many 3PT shots. In the first two group matches they struggled, but later scored 175 points against Serbia and 192 against Canada. Australians may be more inclined to defense than the Germans, but I think everything will go according to the German scenario.
Perhaps a slightly unconventional matchup with American players in the game. However, I believe that the total was set due to the abundance of matches with teams that cannot handle pressure, have poor ball control, and as a result, the US can steal the ball and finish attacks in a matter of seconds. Canada has many tall players, with center forwards standing at 216, 213 and even 233cm, making it harder to score easy points near the basket in positional attacks. Historically, U19 games between these two teams usually end up being under. I hope to see Canada play smart and slow down the pace, as it is probably impossible to outrun the Americans.
There should be something similar to yesterday's match between Spain and Portugal. The Germans will attack, while the Poles will defend. A year ago, both teams played in the European Championship qualifiers and the Germans were simply dominant. The score difference was 13-1 and 12-1. In the Nations League, even teams like the Netherlands and Austria struggled against the Germans, conceding 9 corner kicks each.
Although Rublev is considerably better, but mandarin can definitely challenge, not only because he himself can do something impressive, but also because Rublev's consistency is good and there is a lot of risk in predicting the outcome considering that Rublev is one of the most unstable top level players this season, so one must evaluate whether it is worth getting involved. It wouldn't be surprising if all five sets were played in this match, as the Frenchman is certainly capable and not bad at playing on grass, but personally I think Rublev will handle the Frenchman in four sets.
P.S. A very low game over, as the Frenchman can handle the ball quite well, especially on grass, and knowing how vulnerable Rublev is, it will be worth a lot for such a game over.
Only in the first match did the Americans seem a bit off, but maybe because of the tension and pressure of the opening game. Now they look like a well-oiled machine. The further they go, the more points they score. The opponents are putting pressure on throughout the court, there are many turnovers, attacks every few seconds, and a lot of rebounds and three-pointers. I don't see what could stop such an offense. From what I've seen, Canada didn't leave much of an impression on me. If one of the more serious German teams scored 104 points against Canada, then the Americans could easily reach 110.
