Brazil are favorites to kick off their U-20 World Cup campaign with a victory at the expense of Costa Rica on Sunday but the CONCACAF side have the potential to cause an upset. Boosted with a glorious history in the tournament, Brazil will be looking to issue an early warning to competitors by outclassing Costa Rica in their opening Group E clash at Port Said Stadium. The South American giants won more games than any team and scored the largest number of goals in the U-20 World Cup history. But they should take nothing for granted against Costa Rica, their coach Rogerio Lourenco said. "It has been difficult to analyse Costa Rica closely because they are an opponent whom we have not seen often and do not know very well," he said on FIFA's official website. "Clearly, we have noted their fine results in qualifying, but the first match is always important in any tournament, with a lot of pressure attached, and we will be doing everything to make sure we win." Costa Rica impressed during a qualifying campaign that included a stunning 3-0 victory over the United States. In the other group game, 2007 finalists Czech Republic take on an Australia side known for their resolute displays. Czech head coach Jakub Dovalil, who was Miroslav Soukup's assistant during the previous edition in Canada, will be looking to do even better than his predecessor, under whom the team finished runners-up to Argentina.
Group F The United Arab Emirates, who face South Africa in their Group F opener, eye a similar performance to the one fellow Arab side Egypt produced to outclass Trinidad and Tobago 4-1. "The UAE and Egypt have the ability to show the real worth of Arab football," UAE coach Mahdi Ali said. "The current crop of UAE players previously won the Gulf Cup in 2005 and the AFC U-19 Championship in 2008 so we are hoping to go beyond the quarter final." South Africa too have potential, having finished fourth in the 2009 African Youth Championship. In the other group game, Hungary will be looking to ensure that they enjoy a football revival when they meet Honduras at Alexandria Stadium. Hungary's senior team put in some fine displays in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and Debrecen sprang a surprise by reaching the group stage of the lucrative Champions League Honduras, as outsiders, will play under no pressure but will be hoping to cause an upset. "Our supporters believe in us and we need their warmth and moral support. Our destiny is in our own hands and one thing we do not lack is ambition," Honduras coach Emilio Umanzor said.
