U-20 World Cup 2013 Results: Scores and Highlights from Day 4

Day 4 of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup group stage saw plenty of excitement. Four teams played to draws, and Nigeria and Spain posted clean sheets against Cuba and Ghana, respectively.

Each match represented the third wave of contests for Groups A and B, and with one match remaining for each team, the group tables are beginning to take final shape.

Every team is still searching for a berth in the round of 16, but for Cuba and Ghana, that won’t be an easy task. Neither side has secured a point in the group stage, and they remain at the bottom of their respective groups.

Let’s take a look at summaries and highlights for each Day 4 tilt and break down how each team fared on Monday.

France 1, U.S. 1

Despite managing just eight shots and 41 percent possession, the United States pulled off a late comeback to draw against France courtesy of a Daniel Cuevas equalizer with five minutes left to play.

The first half of the match was a hard-fought affair that saw few scoring chances for either side. But following halftime, France managed to get on the board with a penalty kick that slid its way past Cody Cropper and over the line.

The United States continued pushing in the second half, though, and found its reward with the left-footed strike of Cuevas. It wasn’t the result Team U.S.A. probably anticipated, but the late match-saving goal netted it a point in the tables to remain in contention behind France (4) and Spain (6) after two group stage matches.

With the win, France are in good shape in the Group A tables, with a chance to overtake Spain on Thursday with a victory.

Nigeria 3, Cuba 0

Nigeria were in desperate need of picking up some points on Monday, and they found what they were looking for in the form of an easy 3-0 victory over Cuba.

It took Nigeria some time to break through Cuba’s defense, however. Both sides struggled to get anything going in the opening minutes, and it looked as though the match would remain close heading into the half.

But Cuba’s defense wouldn’t hold for long as Nigeria netted two goals to end the first 45. They picked up another early in the second frame, and it was smooth sailing from that point forward.

Nigeria picked up their first points of the group stage with the win. They're now in second place behind Portugal and Korea with four points apiece.

Nigeria will square off with Korea on Thursday, while Cuba (zero points) finish the group stage with a matchup against Portugal at the same time.

Spain 1, Ghana 0

Despite being overwhelming favorites to triumph in convincing fashion on Monday, Spain struggled to pull away from Ghana. They managed an early goal off the foot of Jese 13 minutes into the match, but Ghana wouldn’t allow the favorites to run away with it.

Ghana had complete control of the tempo in the second half, turning the screws on Spain’s defense from start to finish. While they saw plenty of scoring opportunities, the Black Stars were unable to capitalize.

The final statistics for the match were intriguing to say the least. While Spain maintained possession for 63 percent of the contest, Ghana tallied 17 shots to Spain’s 12, including six shots on target.

But Ghana exited the match with no points, and now face a matchup with the United States to close out group play. They are in desperate need of points after failing to pick up a single point through two matches.

Spain improve to 2-0 in the group stage with the win, sitting atop Group A with six points. They face France on Thursday to close out the action.

Portugal 2, Korea 2

In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Portugal and Korea played to a 2-2 draw that saw Korea score two comeback goals to notch a point in Group B play.

Portugal jumped out to an early 1-0 lead three minutes into the match with an Aladje goal, but Korea were far from finished. They managed to tie the match at 1-1 right before half, setting the tone for a thrilling second frame.

Fifteen minutes into the second period, Bruma struck a beautiful ball into the lower corner to give Portugal the advantage yet again. But Korea would come charging back to tie the score at 2-2 to force the draw and keep the group wide-open.

In securing a point, both teams remain tied atop the Group B tables with four points apiece. Both sides play again Thursday as Portugal take on Cuba and Korea square off with Nigeria.