International, U20: Difficult start for Diarra with Mali

By losing to Suoth Korea in Bogota (0-2), Mali has already jeopardised its chances to qualify from the group-phase in the U20 World Cup.

On the Malian team, new Rennes player Cheick Fantamady Diarra was in the starting eleven, positioned as a supporting forward behind the main striker. Recently named the “best player2 in the Malian league for 2010-2011 (read previously), Diarra was probably the most threatening attacking player for Mali, showing vivacity and lot of activity. On a waterlogged pitch, the young Rennais also displayed some good technical skills.
In a team quite weak at midfield and tense in defence, it was difficult for him to really shine. However, Diarra created the best Malian chance, with a heavy shot difficultly deflected in corner by the Korean goalkeeper.

Without showing any genius, the South Korean team did the job, and made the most of the defensive mistakes by Mali. After a goalless first half, the Asian team opened the score on a long throw-in. The Malian centre back pair were completely mistiming their intervention, and Kyung-Jung Kim seized the opportunity to beat a goalkeeper abandoned by his defence (50’)
At the end of the game, South Korea made it worse, converting a generous penalty to manage the break through Hyan-Soo Jang (80’).

With this defeat, and as Mali is still to face the best two teams in its group (European Champions of France and Colombia, the organising country), it is difficult to imagine that Mali could qualify for the round of 16.
Mali will play their next game against Colombia on Tuesday, before facing France next Friday.