United States' U20 World Cup squad finish atop group despite loss to South Africa

The U.S. under-20 men's national team finished atop their group at the World Cup despite a 2-1 loss to South Africa in Sunday's group stage finale. Even with the defeat, the U.S. finished as group winners due to the favorable goal differential generated from their dominant opening win against New Caledonia – a 9-1 rout.

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  What happened?

  Heading into Sunday's match, the U.S. were in pole position, knowing that a draw guarantee a finish atop the group. It didn't happen that way, despite the fact that the U.S. seized the lead in the 12th minute on a goal from Noah Cobb. 

  South Africa answered right back, with Siviwe Magidigidi netting just five minutes later before Gomolemo Kekana scored what ultimately was the match-winner two minutes into first-half stoppage time.

  Chasing an equalizer, U.S.  coach Marko Mitrovic made a flurry of subs in the second half but, ultimately, the goal never came as South Africa sealed three points to wrap up the group stage.

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  Final group standings

  Even with the defeat, however, the U.S. finished atop the group as they were joined by both France and South Africa on six points from the three games. The U.S. benefitted from their tournament-opening match, as they ran riot in a 9-1 win over New Caledonia.

  As a result, they finished with a +10 goal difference, significantly better than South Africa's +5 and France's +4.

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  Did you know?

  By advancing, the U.S. square are into the knockout round for the sixth-straight tournament. They've fallen at the quarterfinal round each time after winning their initial Round of 16 match, so they will hope to change that outcome.

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  What next?

  The U.S. will have a short turnaround before the start of the knockout stages, and they won't by greeted by much of a reward despite finishing atop the group. Awaiting them will be Italy, who will face the U.S. on Thursday.