Brazil-Spain clash headlines quarter-finals in Colombia

The clash between Brazil and Spain will headline the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia this weekend.

It will be a much-anticipated rematch of the last meeting between the two sides at the 2007 edition of the tournament which the South Americans won.

The Brazilians, who received a morale-boosting visit from senior team coach Mano Menezes, have been in form easily seeing off Saudi Arabia 3-0 in the round of 16 as they bid to capture the title for the fifth time and first since 2003.

The South Americans had to settle for runners-up spot in 2009 after being shocked by Ghana on penalties in the final in Egypt.

Spain have not shown the form of Brazil in their previous match needing a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win to get past South Korea after their last-16 game ended goalless.

But midfielder Canales said that the experience had made the 1999 champions stronger as they prepare for their tie in Pereira.

“You emerge stronger from these type of situation,” said Canales.

The winner of the Brazil-Spain game will next meet either Mexico or Colombia in Wednesday’s semi-finals. Mexico and Colombia go head-to-head in Bogota tonight.

The host nation have never won the tournament but have shown their form by winning all four of their matches so far.

It remains to be seen, however, whether James Rodriguez’s side can maintain the momentum after showing signs of weakness in their 3-2 win over Costa Rica.

Also flying high have been the Nigerian Eagles with 13 goals netted so far as they eliminated England 1-0 en route to tomorrow’s quarter-final tie against France in Cali.

The French emerged following a narrow 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Record six-time champions Argentina play Portugal in Cartagena late today.

The Argentinians, who last won in 2007, are favourites but could be hit by the loss of playmaker Lamela who is doubtful after injuring himself in their 2-1 win over Egypt.