With less than two months to go, the anticipation is building for the South American Under-20 Championship, set to kick off on January 23, 2025, in Venezuela. This tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Peru, was shifted due to several issues surrounding the Peruvian Football Federation's leadership.
From January 23 to February 16, budding young talents will showcase their skills. The competition format involves ten nations divided across two groups, with each nation vying for four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for Turkey later this year.
The Peruvian U-20 team, under the guidance of coach José Guillermo 'Chemo' del Solar, has been hard at work preparing for the championship. This squad is composed of fresh faces—many just recently out of their teenage years—who possess the potential to make their mark on the international scene.
Peru found itself placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay, and Chile. These matchups promise to be intense, not only due to the stakes of the tournament but also because of the rich footballing history among these nations. Following the draw conducted last October, the expectations are high for Peru, particularly after their recent performances against Ecuador, which ended with two drawn matches.
Del Solar has emphasized the significance of this tournament as both a test for the players and as part of the broader effort to rejuvenate Peruvian football. “This is not only about securing our place at the World Cup, but also about laying down the foundations for our future,” he remarked, highlighting the dual purpose of competitive success and player development.
To date, the team has undergone extensive training, participating in 12 microciclos and facing various international opponents, including two matches against Ecuador. The upcoming friendlies against Colombia, scheduled for January 9 and 12, are anticipated to offer the team valuable insights and competitive experience right before the tournament begins.
A spotlight on key players reveals the depth of talent within the squad. Goalkeeper Paolo Doneda, who joined the youth setups of AC Milan, has shown promise, having already snagged attention for his commanding presence at just 17 years old. Del Solar has been impressed by Doneda’s performances, particularly after he saved a penalty during the recent encounter with Ecuador. “It’s pride for me to play for this team. It’s a dream come true,” Doneda stated post-match.
Meanwhile, Felipe Chávez, another noteworthy player from Bayern Munich, has been making waves after scoring and assisting multiple goals during his stint with the youth squad. His experience at top-tier clubs does not go unnoticed, as Del Solar believes these talents can easily transition to the senior national team. “Players like Felipe have what it takes to shine at both levels,” he remarked.
Among the other rising stars is the agile midfielder Bassco Soyer, who played for Alianza Lima. His capabilities on the pitch have made him one of the team's prominent figures. After scoring against Ecuador, Soyer expressed his motivations clearly, “Every opportunity to represent my country matters to me, and I look forward to showcasing what I've got on the international stage.”
Likewise, 17-year-old Maxloren Castro stands out as the nation's most experienced player, having already racked up 22 games professionally with Sporting Cristal. His growth has been notable, and expectations are high for him to lead the offensive line. “The Under-20 Sudamericano is my chance to prove myself, and I’m ready for the challenge,” said Castro.
Meanwhile, Uruguay coaches watch closely from the sidelines, knowing they'll open their tournament against Chile on January 25. Their preparations, as well, have been extensive, including refining tactics and solidifying the squad after changes prompted by inclusion and withdrawals due to various reasons.
Uruguay's group now comprises Venezuela, Paraguay, and Chile, as they aim to top their group for the next stage.
