Fifa U-20 World Cup: Nigeria, Brazil are top picks, but watch the mystery team

Brazilian playmaker Andreas Pereira has been based at Manchester United since the age of 15. Photo / Getty Images

Counting down to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup which begins tomorrow, the Herald looks at how each group stacks up. Michael Burgess weighs up Group E

Teams

Nigeria
Nigeria will be making their 11th appearance at this tournament and have serious pedigree - beaten finalists in 1989 and 2005 and third in 1985. The Flying Eagles, who have failed to reach the knockout stages on only two occasions, qualified for this tournament as African champions.

Brazil
Brazil have featured in this tournament on all but two occasions since the first Youth World Cup in 1977. They have lifted the trophy on five occasions, one behind great rivals Argentina. Their qualifying campaign was solid but unspectacular, as they struggled to score goals and grab the fourth and final qualifying spot.

North Korea
Always a bit of a mystery, North Korea will be competing in a Fifa Under-20 World Cup for the third time, after appearances in 2007 and 2011. They reached the final of the Asian qualifying tournament - beating Japan on the way - and will be strong defensively, super fit and well organised.

Hungary
Hungary are somewhat fortunate to be in New Zealand - they lost two of their three qualifying matches and only scraped in - but shouldn't be underestimated. They have a promising roster, with several players at top European clubs, and reached the semifinals in their last appearance at this level (2009).

Favourites

Brazil and Nigeria. The yellow shirts will be keenly watched, as they bring their brand of "Samba soccer" to New Zealand's shores. The team adopted more of a defensive approach during their qualifying games, but still have plenty of flair. They should comfortably get out of a tricky group. Nigeria arrive in New Zealand as African champions, and will be expected to progress well into the later stages of the tournament.

Star man

Brazilian playmaker Andreas Pereira is one to watch. Based at Manchester United since the age of 15, he was named their under-21 player of the year last season and scored several vital goals for the youth team before making his Premier League debut in March.

Stat

Brazil last lifted the Under-20 World Cup in 2011, when three goals from Oscar (now a star at Chelsea) lifted them to a 3-2 over Portugal.

Did you know?

Nigeria have won the Under-17 World Cup more than any other country (four times), but have yet to repeat the success at the next level.

Prediction

Nigeria and Brazil should take the top two places (in that order) and the clash between North Korea and Hungary will likely decide third spot.