In search of the postponed dream: does the Under-20 have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup?

But that is the world of correction. Starting this week, whether we like it or not, the fans will be relentless if things don’t happen in the South American Sub 20, in Colombia.

“We have more than sixty training sessions”, remarks the coach Jaime Serna, who took over the post left by Gustavo Roverano. The complexity of the relay made him agree to six friendlies in record time, in La Videna, between December and January.

The coldness of the numbers will say that they could only beat the University Reserve and that they could not prevail over any rival in their category: against Uruguay they drew 1-1 and lost by the slightest difference; against Colombia, the host of the tournament, he had fought draws: one and zero; and against Bolivia it was another 1-1 that left choked screams.

“The backpack is years old, but as I tell the boys: we can write our own history. We are going to do it for the family, for the country and for us,” Serna said in his last contact with the press before traveling (tomorrow) to Cali.

We have also had the most difficult group: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay. In the ‘Scratch’ will not be Endrick, the new jewel of Real Madrid. While in Argentina Garnacho will not appear either, that enormous dribbler from United. But both countries are an endless reservoir of talent.

Only if we are in third place after the all against all of the first phase, we will qualify for a hexagonal where four teams will obtain the quota for the World Cup in Indonesia to be held in May.

What are our strengths? Defensive strength. Aron Sánchez and Matías Lazo are strong, tall defenders, but they are not trunks. In the middle, Catriel Cabellos, from Racing de Avellaneda and Kenyi Cabrera from Melgar are the smartest. A pity that Joao Grimaldo, from Sporting Cristal, was unable to recover. And up top we have two ‘tanks’: Juan Pablo Goicochea and Sebastien Pineau, who finally decided on Peru.

What are our weaknesses? Having been adrift in recent months following the departure of Roverano. Serna took over in hot iron. Fierro that will fall into the hands of Chemo del Solar beyond what he achieves in the South American. As for the game, we lack a goal. It is difficult for us to specify our chances. As well as maintaining the intensity throughout the game.

This Thursday Brazil will welcome us. To support more than ever.