FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013: Previewing Day 4's Premier Games

The FIFA U-20 World Cup has already offered plenty of entertainment in the first three days of the tournament. A trend that should continue with Day 4's action.

Two European powerhouses will take the pitch in the international showcase of some of the best young talent in the world as both Spain and France look to prove that they are the heavy favorites in Group A. 

In Group B dark-horse contenders Portugal and South Korea highlight the schedule in an intriguing matchup. So who holds the advantage in these key early games?

Let's examine. 

United States vs. France

Odds via Bovada: France -275, USA +700, Draw +330

France look to be one of the strongest threats in the entire World Cup field. The French side already holds a dominant win over Ghana and could seize a commanding lead in Group A play, putting pressure on Spain to take care of Ghana later in the day. 

The U.S. team didn't get off to a strong start in group play. Spain dominated them 4-1 to give the Americans the worst goal differential early. They'll need to at least keep the contest close if they want to ensure that they don't finish at the bottom of the group standings. 

Prediction: France 3, USA 1

These two side aren't even close, talent-wise. The Americans are just 1-4 in their last five games and the lone win came in a 1-0 win over the Congo. France is 4-1-1 in its last six games and will have the best player on the pitch in Yaya Sanogo. 

Portugal vs. South Korea

Odds via Bovada: Portugal -120, South Korea +300, Draw +240

This is a huge match for Group B. Both Portugal and South Korea sit atop the table after the first wave of games in the group. 

Portugal will look to secure its position as the favorite. After winning a 3-2 thriller against Nigeria to get things started, the expectation will be for them to show they can do more than just edge out their opponents.

South Korea comes into the match looking to duplicate the success that it found against Cuba in its first World Cup match. They are currently on a three-match win streak, but none of those wins have come against a side quite like Portugal. 

Prediction: Portugal 1, South Korea 1

If there's going to be an upset on Day 4, this is as good a candidate as any. The South Koreans have been playing really well defensively, allowing just two goals in their five matches this year.

Portugal will be the most offensively capable team they've seen all year, but if they can score a goal, the pressure will be on the favorite to beat this defense twice. 

Spain vs. Ghana

Odds via Bovada: Spain -350, Ghana +900, Draw +380

This is a match that resembles the other Group A fixture between France and United States. Spain is playing the role of heavy favorite, while Ghana isn't being given much of a chance. 

Spain routed the United States in its first World Cup match 4-1 behind the strength of Jese Rodriguez and Gerard Deulofeu. The two rising stars each found the net twice. 

Ghana will attempt to bounce back from its 3-1 drubbing at the hands of France to open up World Cup play. Much like the U.S., this may come down to a case of doing what they can to keep the match close, as goal differential could be their only hope of staying out of the basement. 

Prediction: Spain 4, Ghana 0

The Spanish side is a legitimate threat to win the whole tournament. There are squads that can offer a strong challenge, but Ghana is not one of those teams.