Jason Pine: Who goes through to the big show?

Mali team mates react during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Quarter Final match between Mali and Germany. Photo / Getty Images.

It's semi-final day at the Fifa U20 World Cup. So who goes through to the big show on Saturday?

Brazil vs Senegal, Christchurch, 4pm
Most people expected Brazil to be here, but practically no-one predicted Senegal would be.

At their debut tournament, the Africans qualified third in their group, beating only whipping boys Qatar in pool play. Since then though, they've overcome Ukraine (on penalties) and Uzbekistan in knockout play to reach the semis.

Brazil have had 110 shots on goal so far at the tournament - more than any other side - but the goals haven't flowed; in fact, they haven't scored in their last four hours of football, relying on penalty shoot-out wins over Uruguay and Portugal to advance to the final four. They've been very tight at the back though, going nearly seven hours without conceding.

Senegal haven't exactly lit up the goal-scoring charts either, netting just five goals in their five games, but they've stood firm defensively, especially in the last two matches, thanks largely to a physically imposing backline and eccentric goalkeeper Ibrahima Sy.

While the vastly more experienced Brazilians are highly favoured, Senegal's unlikely tilt at the title at their first attempt has gathered significant momentum and might not be over just yet.

Key man: Andreas Pereira (Brazil): The Manchester United midfielder has started just one match at the tournament, but has the quality to unlock Senegal's defence and break his side's goal drought.

Tip: Brazil 1-0

Serbia vs Mali, Auckland, 7:30pm

Jump aboard the Mali bandwagon - there's plenty of room. The tournament surprise packages are now just one game away from the final and have earned plenty of fans with their free-flowing football.

Ironically, it was a 2-0 pool play loss to Serbia that kick-started Mali's campaign. A 1-1 draw with Uruguay was followed by a magnificent team performance in the round-of-16 which saw them beat neighbours Ghana 3-0 in Wellington. It remains one of the games of the tournament and gave the Malians the confidence to face Germany without fear in the quarter-finals.

Having fallen 1-0 behind, Mali roared back to equalise and then held on through extra-time to force the game into a penalty shoot-out. Against the masters from twelve yards, the Africans held their nerve to extend their New Zealand adventure and send the highly-fancied Germans home.

Serbia have been solid if not spectacular, with their progress built on tight defence, conceding just two goals in the entire tournament. They showed their fighting spirit by scoring a last-gasp equaliser to stave off elimination against Hungary in the round-of-16, before prevailing in extra-time.

They then dominated their game against the USA, having more than twice as many goal attempts as the Americans, before going through in a penalty shoot-out during which nine players from each side were called upon.

European steel meets African endeavour in what shapes as an intriguing clash.

Key man: Predrag Rajkovic (Serbia): The Serbian goalkeeper has played a massive part in his side's excellent defensive record at the tournament, making 17 saves, more than any other custodian.

Tip: Mali 1-0