NICOLAS ARAVENA / AIPS – SANTIAGO —- Chile, for the second time, is hosting a FIFA U-20 World Cup. The first occasion was nearly 40 years ago, in 1987 — a year marked by political and social turmoil, as the country was experiencing the final moments of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. Despite that backdrop, football brought people together, offering a sporting celebration that stretched from Calvo Bascuñán Stadium in Antofagasta to Ester Roa Stadium in Concepción.

Back then, the hosts made their debut with a 4-2 defeat against a formidable Yugoslav team, the eventual champions. Chile went on to finish fourth, after losing 3-1 on penalties to East Germany.

Today, the excitement remains just as strong. Just like four decades ago, the streets around the National Stadium — the heart of Chilean sport — were alive with anticipation.

Local fans were eager to reconnect with a youth side reminiscent of José Sulantay’s 2007 squad, which laid the foundations for Chilean football’s golden generation. The white, red, and blue shone brighter than ever in the stands of the Ñuñoa Coliseum with an enthusiastic crowd cheering a bunch of extraordinary talents such as Alexis Sánchez, Arturo Vidal, and Claudio Bravo.

In attendance at the venue was the Minister of Sport, Jaime Pizarro, once a celebrated footballer himself. ‘El Kaiser’ said; “Chile has had the opportunity to host the 1962 World Cup, Copa América tournaments, and other major competitions. Experiencing international events has been a tremendous experience for our country, and we hope this time it will be the same.”

Organising such a tournament offered Chile an opportunity to step out on an important global stage. Pizarro highlighted three key points: the sporting dimension, the organisational expertise, and the improvement of infrastructure for both competition and training.

Local support remains unwavering. Despite the mixed form of Chile’s national teams across various categories, the opening match was a sell-out with more than 45,000 spectators in attendance. Pizarro added; “Experiencing these celebrations always provides an opportunity to discover new aspects that become attractive to fans.”

Results so far

Gp A; Japan 2 Egypt 0; Chile 2, New Zealand 1 – Egypt 1, New Zealand 2; Chile 0, Japan 2 – Egypt v Chile; New Zealand v Japan.

Gp B; S Korea 1, Ukraine 2; Paraguay 3, Panama 2 – Panama 1, Ukraine 1; S Korea 0, Paraguay 0 – Paraguay v S Korea; Ukraine v Paraguay.

Gp C; Morocco 2, Spain 0; Brazil 2, Mexico 2 – Spain 2, Mexico 2; Brazil 1, Morocco 2 – Spain v Brazil; Mexico v Morocco.

Gp D; Italy 1, Australia 0; Cuba 1, Argentina 3 – Italy 2, Cuba 2, Argentina 4, Australia 1 – Argentina v Italy; Australia v Cuba.

Gp E; France 2, S Africa 1; US 9, New Caledonia 1 – US v France; S Africa v New Caledonia – S Africa v US; New Caledonia v France.

Gp F; Norway 1, Nigeria 0; Colombia 1, S Arabia 0 – Colombia v Norway; Nigeria v S Arabia – Nigeria v Colombia; S Arabia v Norway.

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