FIFA U-20 World Cup: Austria 1 - 0 Canada

Can't say that I caught the whole match, but from what I saw this was a very similar result to the match from Sunday. Austria is not Chile, but certainly proved themselves the more competent side.

What Canada lack is a central midfielder to run their attack. They have decent forwards in Ricketts, Lombardo and Johnson, but outside of Peters down the right wing, the only service to the strikers seems to come from long balls out of the back line.

A player in the middle of the park who could feed the wingers or play a well timed ball through the middle would be the difference between the Canada that looks like bowing out in the group phase and a Canada that can at least hold its own against the best young squads in the world.

With that in mind, the Canadian keeper, Begovic, is a class player. He was hung out to dry against Chile, but came up with some great saves. Against Austria he put in a similar top-drawer effort, only to be let down by the other 10 players once again. Plying his trade professionally with Southampton of the League Championship, he has the makings of a senior Canadian stalwart in net. Look for more out of this youngster.

Finally, for those who missed out, do yourself a favour and track down the highlights of the American's 6 - 1 drubbing of the Poles. Freddy Adu had a barn-burner, particularly his first goal. Perhaps the guy has something to prove after all.

U.S. vs. Brazil tomorrow should be the match of the tournament so far. Adu v. Pato? We'll see who's left standing after this one goes down at Frank Clair...