France beats Uruguay on penalties to win U20 World Cup
France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola saved Uruguay’s first two penalties — from Emiliano Velazquez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta — before Dimitri Foulquier converted the fourth for France, giving the Europeans an insurmountable lead.
France won the Under-20 World Cup for the first time after drawing with Uruguay 0-0 after extra time and winning the penalty shootout 4-1 on Saturday.
France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola saved Uruguay’s first two penalties — from Emiliano Velazquez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta — before Dimitri Foulquier converted the fourth for France, giving the Europeans an insurmountable lead.
The French celebrated for minutes on the field with rhythmic dance moves, singing and waving to fans, before captain Paul Pogba lifted the trophy.
“Incredible, this is the World Cup, the World Cup, the World Cup! It is something extraordinary,” said Pogba, who was voted best player of the tournament by Fifa. “It will need some time to realise what we’ve done tonight.”
In the 36-year history of the event, France is the sixth European champion, but only the second in the past 20 years following Spain’s victory in 1999.
“This is a formidable day,” France coach Pierre Mankowski said. “I have to take my hat off to my players. France is a collective. Paul (Pogba) is important but it is the group of 21 that won us this title. Solidarity is the biggest quality of this team.”