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France national football team
Under-20s World Cup | Final
Jul 13, 2013 at 7pm UK
 
Uruguay national football team

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Live Commentary: France 0-0 Uruguay: France win 4-1 on penalties - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's coverage of the Under-20 World Cup final between France and Uruguay.
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France have won their first ever Under-20 World Cup courtesy of a penalty shootout win over Uruguay.

Uruguay had the best chances of normal time, with Nicolas Lopez going close on two occasions.

Jordan Veretout tested Guillermo de Amores late on but the Uruguay keeper was equal to it as the 120 minutes ended goalless.

Uruguay saw their first two penalties saved while France converted four in a row to seal a historic 4-1 win in the shootout.

You can read how it all unfolded with Sports Mole's live play-by-play coverage below.


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Good evening! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for tonight's Under-20 World Cup final between France and Uruguay. It promises to be an intriguing match between two very good sides.

We will start by looking at France, who must come into this match as favourites given their recent form. Their 2-1 victory over Ghana was by far their closest game of the knockout rounds so far, and even then they managed to win with just 10 men.

It hasn't all been plain sailing for France, however. They began with an impressive 3-1 win over Ghana, picking up three points that would prove vital. They followed this up with a disappointing 1-1 draw with USA - the Americans' only point of the campaign - and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain.

Since the groups, however, they have been unstoppable. They cruised past hosts Turkey in the last 16, running out 4-1 winners, before going one better in the quarter-finals by thrashing Uzbekistan 4-0.

Uruguay, however, will be full of confidence having seen off tournament favourites Spain on their way to the final.

The South American side started slowly, losing 1-0 to Croatia in their opening match, but they have improved as the tournament has progressed and will certainly fancy their chances tonight.

A 2-0 win over New Zealand followed their opening match defeat before a 4-0 drubbing of Uzbekistan safely sealed their spot in the last 16. They were pushed to the limit by Nigeria, eventually scoring late on to beat the African's 2-1, before managing to upset the odds with a 1-0 win against Spain after extra time.

That win handed them a semi-final against Iraq, who continued their fine form and looked set to reach a historic final before Gonzalo Bueno scored an equaliser for Uruguay in the 88th minute. Neither side could add another in extra time, so the match went to penalties where Uruguay triumphed 7-6.

It will be interesting to see whether fatigue plays a part in this match. Uruguay have been forced into extra time in two of their three knockout rounds, meaning that they have played a full hour more than France throughout the tournament, not including the penalty shootout against Iraq.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the team news is in for both sides, and the biggest news comes from the Uruguay camp. Manchester United-bound Guillermo Varela is left out of the starting lineup in favour of Emiliano Velazquez, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who is regarded as one of their best players, is also left on the bench. Big decisions from coach Juan Verzeri.

TEAM NEWS: France, meanwhile, are at full strength. Samuel Umtiti is unavailable following his red card in the semi-final, but he probably wouldn't have made the starting lineup anyway. Full team news coming right up.

FRANCE STARTING XI: Areola; Foulquier, Zouma, Digne, Sarr; Pogba, Kondogbia, Veretout; Bahebeck, Sanogo, Thauvin

FRANCE SUBS: Polomat, Vion, Ngando, Lemina, Bosetti, Dupe, Sabaly, Julien, Charruau

URUGUAY STARTING XI: De Amores; Velazquez, Silva, Rodriguez, Gimenez; Pais, Cristoforo, Laxalt, Gino; Avenatti, Lopez

URUGUAY SUBS: Cubero, G Varela, J Varela, Amondarain, Rolan, De Arrascaeta, Bueno, Olaza, Bentancourt, Aguerre

So, what can we make of those sides? Well, I'm surprised to see Varela and De Arrascaeta on the bench. Uruguay's defence has been the best thing about them during this competition, so to break it up seems like a strange decision to me. As far as De Arrascaeta is concerned, he hasn't been at his best in this tournament but he still has the ability to be a match winner.

Uruguay still have plenty of talent on the field, though. Gaston Silva and Jose Gimemez have been brilliant in defence for the South Americans, and they can be justifiably proud of their defensive record so far in the tournament. Cristoforo also helps out in the holding midfield role, allowing the skilful Laxalt and goalscoring Lopez to weave their magic in the opposition third.

When it comes to attacking talent, though, you'd have to go some way to match France in this tournament. New Arsenal signing Yaya Sanogo has shown that he knows exactly where the goal is so far, while Jean-Christophe Bahebeck and Florian Thauvin provide more than capable assistance for him on the wings.

In midfield, Paul Pogba and Geoffrey Kondogbia have the ability to dictate the game if given space, while Lucas Digne is a left-back who loves to get forward but is solid at the back as well. The French have quality throughout their side and will be very hard to beat this evening.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this match is the contrast in styles. France have caught the eye with their attacking flair and were the tournament's top scorers at the start of the day. Uruguay, meanwhile, have the best defence in the competition, conceding just three goals in their six matches.

Both teams are looking for their first ever World Cup success at this level. Uruguay are looking to uphold a rich tradition of South American clubs in this tournament. Argentina and Brazil usually dominate proceedings, but now it could be Uruguay's time to shine. They have reached the final before, losing in 1997. France, on the other hand, are taking part in their first final.

An interesting sub-plot to this match is the goalscoring exploits of Sanogo and Lopez. Both are locked on four goals for the tournament, putting them two goals behind the current top scorer Ebenezer Assifuah. A hat-trick from either of those strikers would clinch the Golden Boot.

As the national anthems go on, let me remind you of what has already happened today: Ghana secured the bronze medal in the tournament, beating Iraq 3-0 in the third-place playoff.

PREDICTION: We're five minutes from kickoff now, which leads me nicely into my match prediction. This is a very tough one to call as I can see both sides winning. France are the favourites for sure, and I think they will just about see Uruguay's challenge off. It could go all the way to penalties - that is how closely matched I think this one could be - but I will go for a 2-1 win to France.

An interesting stat from this final is that Uruguay were only in the lead for 27 minutes of their knockout matches. They spent two spells in front against Nigeria that totalled just 10 minutes, while in their match against Spain they spent 17 extra time minutes in front. That is the least amount of time spent winning a game to reach the final in this competition since 1979, when there was one less match to play.

Ghana's 3-0 win saw them become the tournament's top scorers with 16 goals, but France just need one goal to equal that tally. That is no easy feat against a Uruguay defence that has looked incredibly strong throughout this competition.

Right, we're just about ready to go here. The players are lined up, and 90 minutes separates one of these teams from World Cup glory.

KICKOFF: Uruguay get us underway here in what is probably the biggest game of all of these players' lives.

Nervy start from both teams as they try to get a feel of the ball early on. Hopefully both teams will try to win this game rather than being afraid of losing it.

The first shot of the game is one to forget for Sanogo. He chests the ball down around 25 yards out and tries a volley, but scuffs it well wide. One criticism I've had of the Arsenal striker is that he shoots whenever he sees the goal inside of looking to build a better chance.

SAVE! That's a better effort, but it comes at the other end courtesy of Lopez. He goes for goal from the edge of the area, and Areola is down well to save it.

Foulquier and Sanogo link up well to create an opening for the full-back inside the box, but he is stopped in his tracks by a good tackle from Velazquez.

SAVE! Pogba really does look like a magnificent prospect. He battles to win the ball inside his own half before passing it to a teammate and bursting upfield. The ball eventually falls back to him and he tries to place it into the corner from around 25 yards, but it is straight at De Amores. Good play from the France skipper.

It has been a tentative opening 10 minutes, with both sides looking to size each other up. The only notable moments so far have come from shots from outside the box, both of which have been fairly comfortable for the respective keepers.

Lucas Digne brings Gimenez down just inside the French half and gets a stern talking to from referee Roberto Garcia. The Mexican appears to have given Digne a final warning there.

Thauvin has been one of France's brightest players at this year's tournament, and he looks to introduce a spark into the otherwise nervy match. He takes on his man down the left of the area before flashing a powerful strike from a tight angle just over the bar.

Uruguay have had the better of the last few minutes, but still they are being limited to long range shots. The latest of these comes from Cristoforo, who hits it well enough but it is always rising and ends up well over the bar.

Lopez has a chance to put a good delivery in from a free kick just inside the France half, but his cross is over-hit and flies straight into the arms of Areola.

CHANCE! The best opening of the match so far falls Uruguay's way. Gimenez hoists the ball high into the night sky and Sarr fails to deal with it initially. He has a second chance to do so after it bounces, but his headed backpass is under-hit and allows Lopez in. The Uruguay striker is on it in a heartbeat, but his toe-poke towards goal is tipped wide by Areola. Good save.

Uruguay have had the better of these opening exchanges, but France still look dangerous when they get the ball to Thauvin and Bahebeck. This one is shaping up very nicely indeed.

Pogba looks so comfortable on the ball. He has been prominent in this match and you feel that he will have a big part to play in the rest of it too.

A couple of blocked shots almost divert the ball into the path of Sanogo, but Gimenez gets it clear before the Arsenal man can pounce. Blocking shots is one of the things that the Uruguayan defence has done so well in this competition.

France are still waiting for a clear sight of goal in this match. I must admit that I expected them to ask most of the questions in an attacking sense, but it is Uruguay who have looked most like scoring in the opening half an hour or so.

Thauvin shows good skill to get away from the attentions of two defenders, but his eventual shot is once again blocked. The resulting corner is met by Zouma, whose header was put behind by Acevedo.

While both sides will be desperate to win this one tonight, it is worth noting that the last three winners have failed to qualify for the next competition, the latest of which was the mighty Brazil.

YELLOW CARD! That is the game's first yellow card, and Velazquez can have no complaints. The Uruguayan defender went straight through Sanogo with a poorly-timed tackle and he is rightly booked.

France are struggling to get their key players on the ball at the moment. Bahebeck has barely been involved and, while Thauvin looks bright whenever he gets the ball, he hasn't been in possession as much as he would like.

Laxalt battles away for the ball inside the area, surrounded by four blue shirts. In the end he commits a foul on Kondogbia, but there was no way that Laxalt was giving up on that ball, which will be pleasing for the Uruguay fans.

Velazquez could do with calming down a little here. He has just been booked and he flies into another strong challenge on Thauvin. He does get the ball on this occasion, but had he mistimed that then it could well have been a second yellow.

A lovely ball from Veretout almost gives Sanogo a clear sight of goal, but he can't take it in his stride, allowing the defence to get back and clear the danger. A better first touch then and the striker would have had a good chance to open the scoring.

SHOT! Confident run from Lopez as he skips past a couple of tackles before hammering a powerful shot from a very tight angle. His strike doesn't threaten the goal as it flies over the angle of crossbar and post, but that is positive play from the striker.

CHANCE! Uruguay are denied by some fine defending from Foulquier! Avenatti flicks the ball on from a corner and Silva hooks it back into the danger area from the back post. Pais is waiting to complete what would be an easy tap in, but Foulquier produces a fine diving header to put it behind for another corner.

From the resulting corner the ball almost falls to Avenatti on the edge of the six yard box, but he could only direct his shot well wide under heavy pressure. That was a half-chance at best for Uruguay

There will be one minute of added time at the end of the first half.

HALF TIME: France 0-0 Uruguay

Goalless at half time then as neither side can find the breakthrough. It was a tight opening period, with Uruguay coming closest through Nicolas Lopez. That has been the only real chance of the match so far, and this one is still very much up for grabs.

France had most of the ball in that half, with 63% of possession, but it was Uruguay who used it better. If anyone deserves to be in the lead it is the South American side, but a draw is probably the fairest scoreline at this stage.

France haven't used their possession well enough so far, and they are struggling to get their best players involved. Thauvin has, as ever, been lively but the likes of Bahebeck, Digne and Sanogo have been kept quiet. Paul Pogba is doing a good job for his side in midfield, but Uruguay are defending stoutly, as they have done throughout this tournament.

The French defence also deserves credit for a good first half. Uruguay have put them under some heavy pressure, especially at the end of the half, but they have stood up to the test so far, with the only slip being rectified by Areola's save from Lopez.

De Amores has yet to be tested in the Uruguay goal in this match, and I'm sure France coach Pierre Mankowski will be telling his players to play more football in the Uruguay third. They certainly have the quality to cause the defence a lot more trouble than they have done so far.

Overall, though, it was a pretty cagey affair from both sides. I expect the second half to start in a similar way but, the longer it remains 0-0, the more open the match should become. Neither side will want extra time or penalties, so expect them to go for the win inside 90 minutes.

Should it go to extra time, though, I think France would probably have the advantage. They have not been taken the distance yet in this tournament, so should be fresher than a Uruguay side who have needed 120 minutes in their last two matches.

I expect to see De Arrascaeta at some point in this second half if it remains 0-0. He has the ability to unlock a defence and his fresh legs could make the difference in the latter stages. France, on the other hand, don't really have anyone on the bench that would improve their side as they started with their strongest XI.

The teams are spilling back on to the field here in Istanbul. A massive 45 minutes awaits both these sides and, at the end of them, we could be crowning a new Under-20 World Champion.

KICKOFF: France get us back underway. Will either side break the deadlock in this second half?

Scrappy start to this second half with both teams committed a couple of fouls. There still isn't the normal fluidity that these sides usually show at the moment.

The first shot of the second half is dragged tamely wide by Acevedo, who managed to dig his effort out under pressure from Kondogbia.

You don't see that often! Velazquez and Kondogbia both go all out into a challenge and, while neither player comes off badly, the ball has felt the full impact. It has popped, and the referee stops play before changing ball and resuming with a drop-ball.

Pogba can feel harshly done by there. He makes two good tackles on Lopez in quick succession but is penalised for the second, handing the South Americans a free kick in a good crossing position...

...Lopez whips the ball in himself but it is safely cleared by the French defence.

Another hint of an opening for France as Veretout lifts the ball into the path of Sanogo. The new Arsenal man holds off his marker before trying to flick the ball over him, but Silva stays strong, winning the header before clearing the danger.

Lopez is very sharp in and around the area, and he is always looking for a shooting opportunity. He finds one here as he rolls his man before trying to find the top corner from the edge of the box, but his powerful strike bends away from goal and ends up a long way wide.

YELLOW CARD! Paul Pogba enters the referee's notebook, and he looks as bemused as the rest of us by that decision. His challenge was probably a foul, but not worthy of a booking by any means.

Meanwhile, Bahebeck is not moving freely at all. He may not be able to continue here. It looks like a pulled hamstring, and that would be a big loss for France, even if he hasn't been at his best so far tonight.

FRANCE SUB: Indeed Bahebeck is forced off, although he appears to think that he is fine to continue. He punches the ball away as he trudges off to be replaced by Bosetti.

Pogba sends a fine ball over the top towards Foulquier, but it is just a yard or so too high for the full-back. That was brilliant vision from Pogba, but the final ball was just lacking.

CHANCE! Big chance for Uruguay, and again it falls to Lopez. A long ball over the top sees the Uruguay striker through on goal, but his second touch allows the defence to scramble back. He has an unmarked Avenatti screaming for the pass but opts to go for goal himself, slicing his half-volley wide.

Bosetti has just had a little kick out at Gimenez there. The Uruguay defender made the very most of it by going down in apparent agony but, no matter how soft the kick was, Bosetti is lucky that none of the officials saw that.

It has been a brilliant tournament so far with plenty of goals, so it would be a shame if it were to end with a 0-0. The only goalless draw we've had in the competition so far was Mali 0-0 Greece in the group stages.

URUGUAY SUB: Diego Laxalt, who plies his trade for Inter Milan now, has again not lived up to his billing in this match. He is replaced by De Arrascaeta, who was surprisingly not chosen in the starting lineup and can be a real handful.

SHOT! Thauvin escapes the attentions of Gimenez before sending a cross to the back post where Bosetti is waiting. The sub lines up a very ambitious volley which he connects with well enough, but he can't keep it down as it flies well over the top. That would have been some goal!

It might be worth mentioning at this point that France defender Kurt Zouma revealed that he had written a script for this match in which he scored a 92nd minute winner with the scores at 0-0. Surely not?

YELLOW CARD! If there is such a thing as a good yellow card, this is one. Thauvin skipped past two challenges and was building up a head of steam before being brought down by Cristoforo, who accepts his booking without argument.

SAVE! Brave play from De Amores as he dives at the feet of Pogba in the area. Kondogbia nodded a corner down into a very dangerous area, but the Uruguay keeper was alert enough to beat Pogba to the ball.

Pais goes for goal from range, but his shot is never troubling the goal as it flies high and wide.

CHANCE! Another big chance for Uruguay but again they are thwarted by Areola! De Arrascaeta ran straight at the heart of the French defence before playing a lovely disguised ball in to Avenatti. The tall striker turns before poking it goalwards, but Areola is out quickly to smother the shot. Very good goalkeeping.

URUGUAY SUB: Here comes the other surprise exclusion from the starting lineup as Guillermo Varela replaces Giminez, who limps off. Another chance for any Manchester United fans to see their new signing here as we enter the closing stages.

GREAT SAVE! What a stunning stop from De Amores! He hasn't had too much to do today, but that is quite brilliant. Veretout curls a vicious curling effort towards the top corner with a first-time shot from 25 yards and he is already turning to celebrate when De Amores changes direction and pushes it past the post. Magnificent save.

SAVE! De Amores is called upon again from the resulting corner and he pulls off another impressive stop from Bosetti's close range strike.

CLOSE! Velazquez almost breaks the deadlock in fortuitous circumstances. He badly misjudges a cross, but it almost floats over the head of Areola who is relieved to see it land on the roof of the net.

It is Uruguay who are pushing hardest for the winner here, but France aren't exactly playing for extra time either. Both sides look eager to get the winner and avoid an extra 30 minutes.

There will be three minutes of added time.

Sanogo manages to squeeze a shot away after a bit of pinball inside the box, but he was off balance and it was a very tight angle, so it is no surprise to see it flash wide.

END OF 90 MINUTES: France 0-0 Uruguay

So 90 minutes of the final does not produce a goal, which means that we will have extra time. It was quite a strange game, to be honest. There weren't many chances but it was still a decent game to watch for the neutral. There should be more openings as players begin to get tired in extra time, which will hopefully yield an opening goal.

Uruguay have had the best chances of the match so far, with two falling to Lopez and one to Avenatti. France have had most of the ball, but haven't been able to breach a stubborn Uruguay defence. The closest they came was through Veretout's 25-yard strike late on that was very well saved by De Amores.

Tiredness could become a factor here. As I mentioned earlier, Uruguay have needed extra time in their last two matches, which could mean that France are fresher than the South Americans. I'm sure coach Juan Verezi will be telling his side that they have experience of this situation, however, while France don't.

Both sides are also in the relatively comfortable position of only having used one sub each. They both, therefore, have the chance to bring on fresh legs - or indeed penalty experts - if required.

KICKOFF: France will get us underway for the first 15 minute period of extra time.

Lopez has been caught offside a couple of times already in extra time. He is obviously looking to play off the shoulder of the last man with his pace, but he just needs to be a little more disciplined with his runs.

YELLOW CARD! Veretout becomes the second French player in the referee's notebook for a foul on Velazquez.

SHOT! Acevedo does well to win the ball in midfield before immediately getting to his feet and firing a long range strike towards goal. His effort is on target but straight at Areola, who makes a comfortable save.

SAVE! That is what De Arrascaeta offers this Uruguay team. He skips past one lunging tackle before working the ball on to his right foot and trying to bend it into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. He doesn't quite get it far enough away from Areola, however, as the French keeper gets down well to hold on to it.

Uruguay started extra time with all the attacking intent but France are beginning to find their feet now. They have been asking questions of the Uruguay defence in the last couple of minutes but, as ever, the South Americans are up to the challenge.

Rodriguez is down with some cramp at moment. He is the first to go down in this extra time period, but he most certainly won't be the last.

URUGUAY SUB: Rodriguez won't be able to continue here as he gets stretchered off to be replaced by Lucas Olaza. This is Olaza's first taste of the Under-20 World Cup - a baptism of fire for the youngster!

That was almost a very good chance for France. Thauvin slips a clever through ball towards Bosetti, but it skims away from the France striker and De Amores lets it go behind.

De Arrascaeta dances away from three tackles but he can't completely escape the attentions of the French defence. In the end he goes for goal from the edge of the box, but blasts it high and wide.

HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: France 0-0 Uruguay

Time for a very brief drinks break as the first period of extra time comes to an end. There are just 15 minutes left to play in this year's tournament, can anyone make themselves a hero with a winning goal or will we have penalties?

KICKOFF: Uruguay get us underway once more, we're 15 minutes away from a penalty shootout to decide the 2013 Under-20 World Cup winners.

Lopez receives the ball on the edge of the area and immediately looks to shoot. His effort is goalbound but well blocked by Zouma, who then hammers it out to complete the clearance.

Uruguay have a free kick in a dangerous position here. They are around 30 yards from goal, just inside shooting range...

...Olaza's strike is an anticlimax as it cannons into the wall and Silva's volley from the rebound is blocked by Veretout, who certainly felt that one!

FRANCE SUB: This is an interesting change as Bosetti - who came on as a sub earlier in this match - is replaced by Ngando. That must have something to do with penalty taking ability.

Pogba does well to intercept the ball in midfield before winning a free kick in a decent position. It looks just out of shooting range, but a good delivery could prove problematic from here.

FRANCE SUB: Before the free kick France will make the final change as Digne is unable to continue. He is carried off on a stretcher to be replaced by Polomat.

The free kick is comfortably cleared and for a moment there looks to be a break on for Uruguay. France get a lot of players back very quickly, however, which shows great desire from these young players at such a late stage.

That effort is being matched by Uruguay, however. Pais has just made a lung-busting sprint forward to chase what looked like a lost cause, only to have the ball played against him by Sarr.

Uruguay find themselves in a bit of space on the edge of the France box, but De Arrascaeta's touch is poor and the chance goes. That could just about be it.

END OF EXTRA TIME: France 0-0 Uruguay

So we go to the dreaded penalty shootout! It is a cruel but very entertaining way to decide any match, yet alone one as big as this. The Under-20 World Cup will be decided from the spot. Who has the stronger nerve? Well, Uruguay have already experienced this in the semi-final, beating Iraq 7-6.

France haven't had a penalty shootout in this tournament, but in the Under-19 Championships they were eliminated in a shootout at the hands of Spain.

The pressure much now be getting to these young players. There will be heroes and villains made in the next 10 minutes or so.

FRANCE SCORE! Captain Paul Pogba leads by example by taking the first penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way to give France the lead.

URUGUAY MISS! Velazquez is first up for Uruguay but Areola makes a comfortable save from what was a pretty poor penalty.

FRANCE SCORE! Cool penalty from Veretout as he buries his penalty into the same corner as Pogba. Advantage France now.

URUGUAY MISS! De Arrascaeta also misses! It's another save from Areola as he gets a strong hand to a powerful penalty.

FRANCE SCORE! Ngando goes the same way as both of his compatriots, again sending the keeper the wrong way. Uruguay must score this next penalty to stay in the shootout.

URUGUAY SCORE! Olaza hammers is straight down the middle, but has he merely delayed the inevitable here?

FRANCE SCORE! Foulquier scores in the same corner as the previous three French penalty takers!

FRANCE WIN 4-1 ON PENALTIES!

FRANCE HAVE WON THE UNDER-20 WORLD CUP!

Scenes of utter jubilation greet Foulquier's penalty. There are tears of joy streaming from the French players' faces as they celebrate becoming the Under-20 World Champions!

On the other hand, there is pure despair in the Uruguay camp. Most of their players are crying their eyes out as they watch France dance around. It is such a cruel way to lose a final, but with 120 minutes not separating the two sides one side was always going to be left distraught.

Uruguay can be very proud of their achievements at the tournament, however. To reach the final, beating the likes of Spain en route, is something to treasure and, when the initial disappointment of losing passes on, I'm sure the Uruguay players will recognise that they can leave Turkey with their heads held high.

Huge congratulations to France, of course. It is their first ever Under-20 World Cup crown, and there are a number of players in this group of players who will go on to challenge for honours at a senior international level I'm sure.

Alphonse Areola will be the hero for France tonight having saved the opening two penalties, but each and every one of their squad has contributed to this victory. The likes of Digne, Thauvin and Pogba have been brilliant throughout and you can be sure that you haven't heard the last of them.

In truth, Uruguay probably deserved to win this match. They had the better chances in normal time and were only denied by a couple of good saves by Areola. France had openings of their own, but Uruguay always looked more like scoring from open play. That may make this defeat even harder to take for the South Americans, but the future looks bright for them.

A quick well done also to Ebenezer Assifuah of Ghana who wins the Golden Boot having scored six goals to help his side to a third-placed finish. They beat Iraq 3-0 earlier today in the third-place playoff.

It has been a thoroughly entertaining tournament from start to finish and has been a great advert for Under-20 football. It was a bit of a shame to end with a 0-0 draw after some of the high-scoring matches we've had, but it was still an absorbing match and a worthy final.

There are a few awards to hand out before the big one. Spain have just been given the fair play award, while Assifuah is just about to be given the Golden Boot.

Guillermo de Amores picks up the golden glove, awarded to the best keeper in the tournament. That will be small consolation for losing the final, but consolation nonetheless.

The Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament is the next individual award to be handed out. Aboagye of Ghana picks up third-place for that, and he is a deserving recipient.

More small consolation for a Uruguayan player as Nicolas Lopez picks up the silver ball.

The golden ball itself goes to France captain Paul Pogba, who was very impressive this evening. He will also be picking up a winners medal shortly - not a bad night's work!

Next up are the awards for the third, second and first-placed teams in the tournament, going to Ghana, Uruguay and France respectively.

Right, that's it from me tonight! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for what was a historic day for France's Under-20 side as they picked up their first ever World Cup. I will leave you with Robert Summerscales's match report, and be sure to check out the Under-20 Players to Watch feature which will be on site within half an hour. From me, though, it's goodbye!

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Ghana's Ebenezer Assifuah celebrates scoring during the Under-20 World Cup quarter final soccer match between Ghana and Chile on July 7, 2013
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