Greece has appeared at two European Championship finals in 1980 in Italy and in Portugal four years ago.
How they qualified An impressive record of ten wins, a draw and only one loss brought Greece thirty-one points, the best points haul by any country in the qualifying rounds. The single loss was a humiliating one – 4-1 to Turkey in Greece – and it might of led to a meltdown in years gone-by.
Instead Greece rebounded with eight wins and a draw (Norway) while Turkey set off in a different direction with only one win in their next six games. Greece cruised through finishing seven points ahead of Turkey in Group C and eight ahead of Norway. Theofanis Gekas was Greece’s leading scorer with five goals including a hat trick against Malta.
The Coach Otto Rehhagel is now the longest serving and with a shadow of a doubt the most successful international manager that Greece has ever had. Not bad for a man who lost 5-1 to Finland back in 2001 on his debut. A sign of how far Greece has come under his management is the resilience of the team. Even failing to make it to the World Cup finals in 2006 was met with renewed vigour to make sure that as reigning European champions they would be on hand to defend their title in Switzerland and Austria this summer.
Rehhagel has been coaching since the mid-seventies although all his previous appointments had been in Germany where he accumulated all sorts of coaching records.
Key Players Theofanis Gekas has scored a lot of goals in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons and Greece’s progress may be dependent on his goal scoring exploits. Sotirios Kyrgiakos moved to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2006 after a season with Rangers and is a man-mountain of a defender who offers a threat at set pieces. Benfica’s Giorgos Karagounis is the driving force in the Greek midfield and a free kick specialist.
Great Euro Memory Well this is not a difficult one to pick. Four years ago Greece got off to a flying start beating the host nation Portugal in the opening game. Twenty-two days later they repeated the feat in the final after beating France and the Czech Republic in the knock-out stage with a smothering style of defense not seen for a couple of decades. Greece lifting the European championship was the biggest ever shock in European football.
Synopsis The current European Champions will not be slipping under the radar this time. Last time Rehhagel had the team primed and they executed his plan to perfection. Four years on he will again place his faith in many of the same players although he has found places for some younger talent. It is difficult to see how Greece can repeat but four years ago it seemed impossible that they could be crowned the Kings of Europe. But if there is one team that will play to maximum of their collective capabilities it will be Greece under Rehhagel.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Group 2 will also consist of Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia and Luxembourg.
Russia - Under the guises of the Soviet Union and then the Commonwealth of Independent States in 1992 it is difficult to assign any lineage to Russia’s long term participation. However, they did compete as Russia in the 1996 and 2004 finals and at the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. However, they failed to move on from the group stage in any of their appearances.
How they qualified The group table tells us that Russia finished five points behind Group E winners Croatia and a single point ahead of third place England and Israel. However, that does no justice to the last game dramatics that saw Croatia going to Wembley having already secured a place in the finals and Russia traveling up a mountain to face Andorra.
After going two goals down to Croatia England drew level and were in a position to qualify if they could only hold on the draw. But Croatia scored again to break a 2-2 tie; Russia secured an unimpressive 1-0 win over Andorra and England’s players made plans to take a longer summer break. Aleksandr Kerzahkov scored six times for Russia including a hat trick against Andorra and a double against Estonia.
The Coach Guus Hiddink’s record in international competition is impressive. At France ’98 the Netherlands were unlucky to lose on penalties to Brazil; four years later he masterminded South Korea’s path to the last four; in 2006 he led Australia to a place in the last sixteen. Unfortunately for Hiddink the extraordinary is now expected and that is true for Russia. However, Hiddink has been trying to talk down the expectations surrounding Russia’s performance this summer preferring to cast the 2010 World Cup as the primary target.
Key Players Andrei Arshavin plays his club football for Zenit Saint Petersburg but he could be a big money transfer target this summer. Outstanding individual skills with great anticipation and has the ability to fill a number of different roles in midfield and attack – a real craftsman. There is however, one rather large problem – Arshavin is suspended for Russia’s first two matches after striking an Andorran player late in the last qualifying game.
The heritage of fine Russian goalkeepers seems safe. CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev at only 22 is one of the best young keepers in the world and will probably fight in out with Zenit St. Petersburg’s Viacheslav Malafeev for the starting spot.
Although Aleksandr Kerzahkov was Russia’s top scorer in the qualifying group stage he has been omitted from the Russian squad. Hiddink has a couple of other options in his back pocket in Roman Pavlyuchenko and Pavel Pogrebnyak – although as players with similar styles it unlikely that they will teamed together.
Pavlyuchenko came against England and scored twice to give Russia and come from behind 2-1 win while Pogrebnyak has scored four times in nine appearances for the national team and scored ten times in Zenit St. Petersburg’s successful UEFA Cup run just past. Pogrebnyak missed the UEFA Cup and he is battling an injury that has him doubtful for the Euros.
Great Euro Memory If you consider the Soviet Union’s participation then the greatest achievement is winning the first competition in 1960. Metreveli equalized for the Soviet’s just after half time following a first half goal from Yugoslavia’s Galic. The final went to extra time before Ponedelnik scored the winning goal with seven minutes left.
Synopsis Any side coached by Dutchman Guus Hiddink cannot be discounted although Russia was the recipient of a couple of fortunate breaks during qualifying. Replacing Arshavin for the first two games may be impossible and the lack of pace in defence may haunt Russia.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Wales, Finland and Germany will be the opposition in Group 4.
Another Sunday, another draw. This time it is for the European Championship Finals. Here are some initial thoughts on the draw and what might be in store.
Group A Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal, Czech Republic
June 7 – Switzerland vs. Czech Republic, Portugal vs. Turkey June 11 – Switzerland vs. Turkey, Czech Republic vs. Portugal June 15 – Switzerland vs. Portugal, Turkey vs. Czech Republic
Summary The Czech Republic and Portugal will start as the favourites to move on but as one of the co-hosts Switzerland should not be easily discounted. The Czechs have a fine history in this tournament and made it to the final game in 1996, the semi finals in 2004 and were unlucky to be drawn together in a group with co-hosts the Netherlands and eventual winners France in 2000. However, the Czechs would have preferred not to have drawn the co-hosts in the opening game of the tournament.
Portugal is another country that has performed well at the last few European Championships. After going unbeaten at the group stage in 96 the Portuguese went out to the Czechs in the last eight when Karel Poborsky scored the only goal of the game. In 2000 they took winners France to extra time and it needed a golden goal from a Zidane penalty to decide the game. As hosts in 2004 their tournament got off to a poor start when they lost to Greece. Although they bounced back and made it to the final they again faced Greece and lost once more.
Turkey missed out on the 2004 finals although they qualified in 1996 and 2000. There appearance in 1996 was a first at the European Finals and they went winless in three games. Lessons were learned and four years later they made it to the quarter finals where they lost 2-0 to Portugal. Qualification for 2008 consisted of a series of highs and lows. A great start was highlighted by a 4-1 away win against European champions Greece. A series of poor performances and dropped points meant hopes of qualification were rapidly receding before two wins (including a come-from-behind win away against Norway) saved the day.
As co-hosts Switzerland will enter the tournament without the advantage of any competitive matches since the 2006 World Cup. However, Coach Kubi Kuhn will be hoping that his young side can build on a solid performance in Germany last summer. Switzerland made it to last summer’s World Cup after beating Turkey is an ill-tempered play-off game and memories of this are unlikely to have receded by next summer.
Keys Under manager Karel Bruckner the Czechs are the consummate team. Any side that knocks off the Czechs can look forward to going deep into the tournament.
Portugal will be difficult to break down but their progress might be largely dictated by whether or not they can find a reliable international goal scorer.
Which Turkish side will turn up at the tournament?
Switzerland went to the last sixteen in Germany last summer and was knocked-out without conceding a goal. Another strong defence showing – although in 2006 goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbueler seemed to more lucky than good! – and some opportunism in front of goal might generate the kind of momentum that leads to a shock or two.
Group B Austria, Poland, Germany, Croatia
June 8 – Austria vs. Croatia, Germany vs. Poland June 12 – Austria vs. Poland, Croatia vs. Germany June 16 – Austria vs. Germany, Poland vs. Croatia.
Summary Based on performances Germany will not be particularly concerned with their draw. However, with two traditional rivals in Austria and Poland this group will have a derby game flavour and that should be a cause for concern. A re-emerging Croatia side will also be looking to repeat their countries famous win over Germany at the 1998 World Cup in the knock-out stages.
Poland bounced back from a poor start in qualification to move on with room to spare. Surprisingly this will be Poland’s first appearance at the Euro Finals and they will be looking to make it to through the group stage of a major tournament for the first time since 1986. Poland pushed Germany all the way last summer before losing to a late goal. However, it was a poor display and a first game loss to Ecuador that was critical. A win over Austria is mandatory if they are to have a realistic chance to progress.
By knocking out England in group qualifying Croatia lost any chance of sneaking under the radar. Slaven Bilic has created a confident and competent side that should make it to at least the last eight.
Austria have already been labeled as the worst country (performance-wise that is) ever to host a major tournament. They are so bad that a group of Austrian fans started a petition that asked the team to withdraw in order to save face.
Keys Germany has a huge target on their backs and needs to meet their historical rivals Austria and Poland head-on. A slow start might be costly.
Poor starts have cost Poland dearly at the last two World Cups and they can ill-afford a repeat.
Expectations are so low that even one win in the group stage might be considered a success for Austria.
The schedule has been kind to Croatia with an over-matched Austria first. Next up is Germany before what might be a decider against Poland in the last group game.
Group C Netherlands, France, Romania, Italy
June 9 – Romania vs. France, Netherlands vs. Italy. June 13 – Italy vs. Romania, Netherlands vs. France June 17 – France vs. Italy, Netherlands vs. Romania.
Summary As soon as this draw was made the Group of D***h label was applied. No team can be overlooked here.
Romania only lost one game in qualifying and that was once they had guaranteed their spot in the finals. Along the way they beat Netherlands for the first time ever and now look to be fulfilling their potential of a few years ago.
France , insults, Italy, Materazzi, video replay, Zidane, revenge, head-butt, World Cup Final, sisters, Domenech saying something stupid – that is what we have to look forward to for the next six months. At least it won’t be go to penalty kicks – unless they hook up again in the semi final game!
The draw was not kind to the Dutch and then the schedule really put the boot in. Italy followed by France is not what the Dutch would have wanted. The 1988 European Championship remains the only major trophy won by the Netherlands. After this tournament it is unlikely that this will have changed.
Keys As the best-known Romanian players Adrian Mutu and Christian Chivu are going to garner most of the headlines but this squad has a lot more depth than just these two. In any other group Romania would have an excellent chance to move-on but ….
France made it the World Cup Final last summer with one of the oldest squads ever seen at the Finals. It is almost inconceivable that they can repeat while looking to the same core of veterans …or is it?
Italy won the World Cup with a squad of players that were almost all in the prime years of their footballing lives. Donadoni needs to squeeze out another round of great performances before moving on. If he can, then a World and European double is not out of the question.
Goal scoring was a problem during group qualifying and in a number of games the Dutch were only a goal way from embarrassment. Chances have to be converted on a more regular basis or the Dutch may be out of contention before game three.
Group D Greece, Russia, Spain, Sweden
June 10 – Greece vs. Sweden, Spain vs. Russia June 14 – Greece vs. Russia, Sweden vs. Spain June 18 – Greece vs. Spain, Russia vs. Sweden.
Summary This is probably the most open group and a lot of attention will be paid to the amount of grey hair in charge pulling the coaching strings.
The reigning European Champions Greece has bounced back after failing to make the 2006 World Cup Finals. A humiliating home loss to Turkey (4-1) was the only bump on the 2008 road which was then negotiated without too much difficulty.
Spain has now made it to the last fifteen of sixteen major finals and has generated a lot of momentum since starting poorly in group qualifying for 2008. But as we all know Spain’s problems normally start when they reach the finals of a major tournament. The squad is more than solid containing a number of players that could find a place in any team in the world. However, until they win a major final (1964 is so long ago and pretty much discounted) the doubts will remain.
There were a few hiccups along the way for Russia but major tournaments and Guus Hiddink seem to mix very well. Like Spain, Russia has (the Soviet Union did win the first European championship in 1960) rarely delivered on the world stage and one of Hiddink’s challenges is to instill a sense of believe in a squad that has considerable talent.
Sweden has a great record of qualification for major tournaments and is always a difficult opponent.
Keys There will be no element of surprise for Greece this time. The other fifteen countries will be well prepared should Otto Rehhagel opt for a repeat performance of stifling defence and opportunism in front of goal. What can the coach come up with this time?
Hiddink’s ability to chop and change on the fly as needs arise is almost without parallel. Spain needs to finally win a must win game. If they can do that then maybe years of disappointment will melt away.
If Sweden is to drive deep into the tournament then it is probably going to be on the back of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The talent has never been in doubt and from his early season performances for Inter he seems to have now achieved a level of consistency that has previously been missing.
Quarter Finals June 19 – Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group B, (Game 25) June 20 – Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group A, (Game 26) June 21 – Winner Group C vs. Runner Up Group D, (Game 27) June 22 – Winner Group D vs. Runner Up Group C, (Game 28)
Semi Finals June 25 – Winner Game 25 vs. Winner Game 26, (Game 29) June 26 – Winner Game 27 vs. Winner Game 28, (Game 30)
Final June 29 - Winner Game 29 vs. Winner Group 30.
Time (EST), date & location – 19:45, July 18 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton
Few would have picked Austria or the Czech Republic to make it to the last four of the FIFA under-20 World Cup let alone both of them. Neither country arrived at the tournament with much of a pedigree at the youth level.
Past Performance
It is only Austria’s third trip to the finals and in 1977 they finished 15th while six years they dropped down a place. For the Czech’s it is a 5th appearance in their present guise or as the former Czechoslovakia. The best performance before this tournament was quarter final loses in 1983 and 2001.
How they reached the semi-final
During the group stage both countries continued to fly under the radar. Austria recorded one win (1-0 over Canada), drew with Congo (1-1) and with eventual group winners Chile (0-0).
The Czech’s started with a 0-0 draw against Argentina in Ottawa and then allowed a 2-1 lead to disappear as North Korea equalized late in the game. It meant the last game against Panama was a must-win in order to ensure a place in last eight. It was mission accomplished as the Czech’s recorded their only win in regulation time in their five matches so far.
Both qualified as second place finishers and while Austria drew the Gambia (runners up in group C) the Czech Republic had the much tougher task in facing group F winners Japan.
Austria progressed after a late goal from substitute Erwin Hoffer broke a 1-1 draw against 10-man Gambia. Later that same evening the Czech’s were 2-0 down early in the second half to Japan before two penalty kicks inside a three minute drew then level. Extra time went scoreless and the game was decided on penalty kicks.
It was déjà vu in the quarter final as the Czech’s once again won on penalty kicks - this time over Spain. Despite being under sustained pressure the Czech’s took a shock lead in extra time before Spain finally drew level. But once more the Czech’s kept their nerve as Spain missed twice.
After conceding an early goal to the USA in their quarter final match, the Austrians rallied to draw level before half time. A key move late in the first half by Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz helped to turn the game. Right midfielder Bernard Morgenthaler was replaced by Martin Harnik and suddenly the USA were on the back foot.
In extra time Gludovatz made his second decisive move when Hoffer was brought into the game and this time he scored the winner with his first touch of the ball.
Goalkeeping
Austria used three goalkeepers in the first three matches and all through choice rather than injury. Michael Zaglmair started the first game against Congo before being replaced by Andreas Lukse for the match against Canada. Despite recording a clean sheet Lukse returned to the bench and his spot was taken by Bartolomej Kura for the game against Chile.
Perhaps Kuru wasn’t surprised when he was dropped after blanking Chile and back came Zaglmair for the knock out round games against the Gambia and USA.
There has been no such shuffling of keepers for the Czech Republic with Radek Petr playing all 510 minutes of the tournament. What is more he has faced 12 penalty kicks over the five games and has saved three of them.
Edge – Czech Republic
Defense
Both teams have been pretty settled as far as the back four is concerned. Austria has relied on the centre back pairing of Sebastian Proedl and Michael Madl to shore up the defense and they have been very effective. Proedl even chipped in with a goal against the Gambia. However, Madl picked up a second consecutive yellow card against the USA and will be suspended. No team has scored more than a goal against Austria and in five games they have recorded two shut outs.
On the other hand the Czech Republic’s only clean sheet came against Argentina in their opening game in which they were badly outplayed. In all they have conceded six goals in five games which isn’t overly impressive. Czech Coach Miroslav Soukop has also looked to a core of defenders. Lukas Kuban, Marek Suchy and Jan Simunek have played in all five games.
Edge – If Austria had Madl available defense would go in their favour but his absence will be difficult to overcome. Call it even.
Midfield
Michael Stanislaw has been a stand-out as a defensive midfielder for the Austrians. If he hasn’t been winning tackles and driving the team forward he has been plugging the passing lanes and intercepting passes. An ever present up to now but Stanislaw has also run into yellow card trouble and will miss the game.
Martin Harnik has shown that he can torment with his strong running and dribbling while Zlatko Junozovic has been a real work horse. Listed as a midfielder Junozovic has been tasked to get forward and support the normal lone Austrian striker.
Five of the seven Czech goals have come from midfield players with Lubas Kalouda scoring three alone. Others to watch for in an exceptionally hard working midfield are Ondrej Kudela and Petr Janda.
Edge – With Stanislaw in the Austrian starting eleven this would have been a much tighter call. Without Stanislaw the Czech Republic gets the nod.
Attack
Erwin Hoffer started all three group games for Austria but the striker was relegated to the bench for the last two matches against the Gambia and the USA. It didn’t seem to faze him as both times he entered the game and scored the winner. Against a strong physical Czech side there is no reason to think that Austria will change the tactic. It will be a surprise if Rubin Okotie (2 goals) does not start in the lone striker role. He is strong in the air and a willing worker. However, his finishing could be much better.
On paper the Czech’s have the more impressive forwards but so far it has not necessarily shown in goal scored. Marek Strestik’s pre-tournament billing was impressive but at present he has collected twice as many yellow cards (2) as goals. Spurs Tomas Pekhart has yet to score in regulation or extra time and Martin Fenin has looked to be the best of the bunch.
Edge - Austria
Coaching & Intangibles
Both teams must be feeling good about their progress to the last four. The coaches have done what they are paid to do - to produce the best possible team with the players available. Gludovatz and Soukup have instilled a tremendous spirit in their sides and tactically they have been outstanding.
The Czech’s have had the tougher road and will enjoy the confidence boost of coming back from two goals down to beat Japan as well as winning twice on penalties. When the two teams met in last summer’s Euro qualifying the Czech Republic won 3-1.
Edge – Czech Republic
Prediction – the Czech Republic to win 2-1.
Notes
We are guaranteed a Europe vs. South America final. It will be the fifth such match-up in sixteen finals. The previous finals were Argentina vs. USSR (1979), Brazil vs. Spain (1985 & 2003) and Portugal vs. Brazil (1991).
Sergio Aguero (Argentina) and Adrian Lopez (Spain) are currently tied as top scorers with five goals.
There is the possibility that the final match will be a repeat of one of the group games. Earlier Chile played Austria and Argentina played the Czech Republic but both games finished scoreless.
In 1962 the then Czechoslovakia made it all the way to the final of the World Cup and played Brazil twice as well. They drew 0-0 in the group stage and lost the final 3-1.
Well day one is done and not many people would have bet that both Brazil and Argentina would complete the first day of competition without a win and without a goal. Argentina arrived as a strong defensive team and that was clearly on show against the Czech Republic.
Argentina dominated possession (59 to 41) and attempts on goal (22 to 2) but was missing an out-and-out goal scorer to get on the end of the numerous build-ups.
Ironically it was the Czechs who had the best chance of the game when Argentine keeper Romero opted to charge the Czech attacker on a break away and Argentina had to rely on substitute Acosta to clear the ball as it rolled towards the goal line.
Replays also showed that the Czechs were denied a first half penalty when Fenin tripped in the penalty box. Rather than pointing to the spot the referee booked the Czech player for diving.
Moralez was the main threat (and a crowd pleaser to boot) during the first half while Banega dominated the second half for Argentina. Banega 's style was reminiscent of former great Fernando Redondo while Sergio Aguero often looks like a young Romario.
Group E finishes day one with no goals and all four countries sitting on a point each. On Tuesday the Czech Republic plays North Korea and Panama plays Argentina. No matter Tuesday’s outcome all four teams are already guaranteed to be in contention on the final day of Group E play on Friday.
Day 1 Wrap Decent weather, great crowds, some good football but not a lot of goals. Player of the Day - Lee Young Sung (South Korea)
TV Broadcast Low point – The CBC crew of Steve Armitage and Paul Dolan were clueless when Krol was sent off against Brazil. It wasn’t until Krol was walking to the dressing room that it clicked that perhaps he had received something more than a yellow card – even though referee Howard Webb clearly showed a red card straight after the second yellow. The first was shown 20 minutes earlier.
Please stop – refering to Canada as Team Canada.
High point – On the Argentina – Czech Republic game CBC used Steve Banyard as the play-by-play announcer and he was as usual excellent.
Blame it on the Boogie - CBC is using two in-studio analysts as well as two play-by-play crews. Of the four experts (two colour commentators and two in-studio analysts) three are former goalkeepers (Paul Dolan, Craig Forrest and #### Howard) and a left back (Bob Lenarduzzi). Don’t be surprised if Bob gets blamed if any of the former goalkeepers makes a mistake.
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.
Group E (Ottawa, Montreal) Argentina, Czech Republic, North Korea and Panama
Argentina arrives as reigning champions and with four world championships and one fourth place finish in the last six tournaments. Hugo Tocalli has been in integral part of Argentina’s success, first as the 2IC to Jose Peckerman and now as the head man.
Argentina finished second to Brazil in South American qualifying although the Canadian-bound squad will be significantly stronger. It will not include Lionel Messi but Sergio Aguero is named to the twenty-one man pool. Aguero just turned 19 but he has already packed a considerable amount of experience into the last few years.
He made his debut for Independiente a month after his 15th birthday and a year later he scored his first senior goal. Initially he was not part of the Argentina squad that embarked on 2005 qualification but he was eventually called up. During the finals in Holland he made four appearances – all off the bench – but still contributed to the Argentine win. In the final match against Nigeria he was brought down in the penalty box and his pal Lionel Messi scored the winning goal.
Less than 12 months later Aguero moved to Atletico Madrid for $35M and he has just completed his first season La Liga play.
Ever Banega (Boca Juniors) will almost certainly start in the midfield for Argentina and will be the fulcrum of activity. Defender Emiliano Insua moved from Boca Juniors to Liverpool last January on loan with the strong possibility of the arrangement becoming permanent. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero (Racing) finished the qualifying competition unbeaten in 390 minutes.
The Czech Republic has produced some fine age group sides over the last decade or so although this team may struggle to reach the heights achieved by others. In European qualifying the Czech Republic lost at the semi final stage to eventual runners-up Scotland 1-0.
Inconsistency makes it difficult to predict how this Czech side will fair and it is reasonable to assume that attacking midfielder Marek Strestik (Brno) wil have a lot to do with it.
Back in 1966 at the World Cup North Korea pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the history of sport in beating Italy and knocking them out of the World Cup. A few days later the North Koreans were leading Portugal 3-0 in the quarter-finals before an Eusebio-inspired comeback led to a 5-3 win for Portugal.
The North Koreans slipped back to their closed society leaving only legends and stories. Over 40 years later will the North Koreans reemerge? Two years ago at Peru 2005 at the under-17s they made it to the last eight and were only eliminated after taking Brazil to extra time. As Asian Champions the North Koreans should not be underestimated but it is difficult to get reliable information on their players.
The names that seem to get mentioned regularly are goalkeeper Ju Kwang-Min, midfielder Ri Chol-Myong and striker Kim ####-Il who scored four goals in Asian qualifying. Panama has made great strides as football in Panama cuts into the traditional following for baseball. Leading the side is the legendary striker Julio Dely Valdes whose career took him to Italy, France and Spain. Although Panama lost 5-0 to the USA in qualifying and finished behind the Americans both teams had already guaranteed spots in the finals. Striker Josue Jafeth Brown is the name most often mentioned as carrying an attacking threat.
Predicted finish – 1. Argentina, 2. North Korea, 3. Czech Republic and 4. Panama.
Team Notes The USA has had to replace Bolton Wanderers’ Johann Smith after he suffered a bad ankle sprain in a closed door friendly against New Zealand earlier this week. Preston Zimmerman has been named to replace him.
Radio New Zealand reports on the game – “The New Zealand under 20 football side has lost its second warm up match ahead of the under 20 world cup, going down four nil to the United States in New Jersey. New Zealand were without three first choice players who've come down with a virus and after losing three nil to Costa Rica in San Jose three days ago coach Stu Jacobs is desperate to arrange a training match against the reserve team from Major League Soccer newcomers Toronto to finally give his first eleven a run. The side's opening match of tournament is in Toronto on Monday against two-time champions Portugal.” New Zealand will play Toronto FC in a training game on Friday.
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.
In a little over a week the FIFA Under-20 World Cup will kick off in Canada. When you consider the impact that Toronto FC of MLS has already made it is turning out to be a banner – perhaps pivotal year – for the game in Canada.
This is the first in a series of Under-20 World Cup blogs that will run from now until the Final on July 22 in Toronto. Although watching all 52 matches might prove to be a couple of games too far my intention is to watch – and attend – as many as I can.
To start off here are a few articles and some information on the tournament.
You can find details of previous tournaments back to the inaugural event in 1977 in Tunisia along with the winners. You would not have to be overly perceptive to notice that Brazil and Argentina have dominated this competition while Portugal and Spain have also achieved some success. So why have Brazil and Argentina been successful? A seemly endless production line of talent definitely helps although a recent article in FourFourTwo that focused on how Brazilian clubs develop talent shows that their success is far from happenstance.
In a Champions Magazine interview with Claudio Borghi the legendary Argentine playmaker and now coach of Colo Colo provide his insight into why South American countries continue to produce such great players. Borghi believes that it is the upside of European teams continually raiding South American clubs. “It’s like having a fast-food concept. Players are being sold all the time, and you must be expert in gambling on the club’s youth system. In Europe, 17-year-olds wouldn’t be able to stand the pressure of playing finals as they do here.”
Over the next week or so I will be posting some pen-pixs of players who may arrive in Canada relatively unknown but who may leave as global superstars-in-waiting.
And the not unexpected speculation about the return of professional soccer to Victoria. You can expect this to be one in a long line of articles that will touch on the same subject. My guess is that someone will raise the issue of a new Canadian Soccer league well before the end of the first week of competition.
Ticket problems in Victoria. Far be it for me to point out that there were no such double-headers at last summer’s World Cup in Germany.
A regular blog reader and poster Miro has forwarded the following information about the Czech Republic team. “The Czech Coach,Miroslav Soukup,named his 21 men roster for the U-20 WC.The players and coaching staff are pretty much the same group from the U-19 Euro,last July, where they ended up Bronze. He is missing 2 players ,who are with the U-21's at the Euro in Holland, one that got injured in the friendly vs Congo, last week and one wasn't released by the Club (because of injuries during season).He says that because they had a large pool to pick from, they have pretty much a complete squad. The Head of The Delegation is Rudolf Bata, the Honorary Chairman of the Czech Football Association, son of Tomas Bata, the shoe magnate, who are all back operating their 'empire" in the Czech Rep, after being forced to move to Canada, after the 2nd WW. They will fly to Edmonton on the 16th on Saturday, play a friendly vs the home team of Canada on Monday (the game was abandoned at 0-0 due to bad weather) and another one vs Korea in Toronto on the 23rd of June.
They will play the first WC game vs. favorite Argentina on the 30th of June in Ottawa.”
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that think might be of interest about the 24 countries and I will post a selection regularly. However, I’m not holding my breath thinking I’m going to get much on North Korea. If you have a blog and you have information on the tournament please post your link under comments.
Euro 2008 qualifying is centre stage this weekend. The biggest game would appear to be in Prague with Germany - top of group D on goal difference - facing the Czech Republic. Slovakia, Cyprus, the Republic of Ireland and Wales will all be hoping to make up ground but I see this group as a two-horse race.
Greece and Turkey go head-to-head in another titanic Mediterranean struggle. Both countries have 100% records after three games and neither have conceded a goal so far. They also faced each other in 2006 World Cup qualifying and both games finished scoreless. Norway and Bosnia-Herzegovina sit third and fourth (Norway are three points behind the leaders and two ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Bosnians have played a game more) and play each other in Oslo. Norway then plays Turkey in Istanbul on Wednesday so this group could be turned on its head by this time next week.
Group A may turn out to be the most competitive of the seven groups. Two of the 2006 World Cup finalists currently sit third and fourth – Poland and Portugal – behind group leaders Finland and second place Serbia. Portugal versus Belgium (5th place) looks to be a vital one for both sides. A win for the Portuguese would make sure that they remain in a strong position while a loss for Belgium would mean that they would have already dropped 11 points and that would leave them in an impossible position.
Italy has to wait until Wednesday when Scotland will travel to Bari. Group B leaders Scotland – how strange does that sound ? – will have new manager Alex McLeish in charge for the first time against Georgia. Although the game against Italy is the glamour tie, a win over Georgia at Hampden Park is much more important. France currently trail Scotland on goal difference and have to play away to Lithuania – a tricky task I would suggest.
In Group E all eyes are on Israel against England. Much as been made of the fact that Israel have lost only one of their last 14 competitive fixtures while also drawing with the likes of France, Switzerland, Russia, and the Republic of Ireland. The never-say-die spirit of the Israeli squad has seen them fight back a number of times over the last two seasons to #### draws as the seconds tick down. A draw may again be the outcome. The Israeli loss came at home in November when group leaders Croatia beat them 4-3 in Tel Aviv. Croatia are at home to Macedonia on Saturday.
Spain are currently sitting in fifth place in Group F and they have no margin for error when they face Denmark. The Danes are four points ahead of Spain and have yet to concede a goal in their first three games. The good news is that the Spanish have an outstanding record against the Danes. Since 1985, Spain have beaten Denmark five times, drawn once and lost only once. Sweden leads the group with a 100% record after four games and have a rest day this weekend. On Wednesday Sweden faces third Northern Ireland in Belfast. Norhern Ireland plays group whipping-boys Liechtenstein on Saturday.
In Group G the Netherlands and Romania is a battle of first versus third with both countries unbeaten. Second place Bulgaria are also unbeaten but don’t play until Wednesday when Albania are the opposition.
Romania have yet to win in eight friendly and competitive games against Holland, drawing two and losing six, while scoring just only once.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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