Craigy_f - (Are you) feeling a tad more confident after beating the Ukraine?
What’s your take on Lampard being booed? Are there any other instances like that which you can recall? Do you pay attention to stats in football? Do you read any print media on football?

Bobby – I will not feel confident until there are enough points to finish in the top two. However, the win against Ukraine does guarantee that Scotland will go into the Italy game with a chance of qualifying. As for Lampard being booed – I can’t understand how supposed fans can boo one of their own players.

The same thing happened to Gary McAllister playing for Scotland. A few decades ago it wasn’t unusual for Old Firm players to get bad treatment from the other side of the divide. In terms of the stats question is yes. I do most of my daily reading electronically. 

D Powell22 - Has anyone heard of any clubs that are interested in Jozy Altidore? I know he is turning 18 at the end of this year. Is he going to play for a European team next?

Bobby – With his physique and talent I can guarantee that there are a lot of European teams watching him. However, I don’t think it is a slam dunk that he will be off to Europe next year. I also don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing either.

Therealrico - Derek Rae feels South American needs to revamp their WC qualification process. While I do think that Fifa's rankings are fairly BS, I think that the WC and Euro Cup qualifiers need to be revamped using the Fifa rankings. For example all the minnows of Europe or South America I think should have to play a pre qualifier. With countries like the Faroe Islands, San Marino, and so forth having to play in a qualifier to determine who get to go to the next level. Similar to what they do in the champs leagues with teams from places like Wales. This would put less strain on countries like France, or Italy, who have players playing way too many games as it is. What do you guys think?

Bobby – I think the upside of the present South American qualification system has been missed. First of all they are playing games while European countries are either playing WC or Euro qualifiers. In fact South American countries are playing fewer games than European countries as they don’t play a qualifying tournament for the Copa America.

South American countries will play 18-20 games; European countries will play a minimum of 24 games between the two qualifying tournaments.  That’s an average of 33% fewer games played by South American countries if you exclude the possibility of a play-off round.

Since South America went to the 18 game qualifying round the gap between top and bottom has narrowed considerably.  For example you referenced the minnows of COMNEBOL - who would these minnows be? I can’t think of one South American country that wouldn’t finish in the top four in CONCACAF. You also have to consider that the 18 game format guarantees as far as it is humanly possible that the best 4 (or 5) countries from South America reach the WC finals.

Before the 18 game format it was a case of only 4 or 6 games which significantly increased the chances that a good team would pay a hefty price for an off day.

Finally do you really think if there were less WC qualifying games that the clubs would not simply pick up the slack?

Djnima - 1. Do you think management is the problem at Spurs? I think Jol should go. However Spurs seem to have a problem more with defending rather than management. They rely too much on King and he is always injured.
2. Pls post a new pic on the website without your glasses.
3. Have you seen Fifa 08? Are you into video games?
4. Where do you see Mourinho popping up this season? AC? Inter?

Bobby –1. What is your definition of management? If you are talking about the board then the answer is yes. 2. I don’t have one. 3. No, and no. Jeremy is the guy you want for video games. I’m from a different generation. I'd do just about anything before playing video games. 4. You might not see him popping up any place if all the bigger sides play reasonably well until spring. 

Ringo - I say bring back pitches like the old Baseball Ground, Derby. Two months into the season and not a blade of grass left and ankle deep mud. Now THAT was football!
I`m planning on watching tomorrow`s Georgia/Scotland game, but I`m not sure which team to root for, could you help me out?

Bobby – Was it at the Baseball ground that Brian Clough perfected his love of over watering? The pitch always seemed to be a mud bath. If I was you, I would support the team with the most surnames beginning with the initial M. 

CIAO - What do make of Donadoni as Italy's coach so far?
 
Bobby – Inconclusive. Italy’s position is a product of a poor start right after the WC last summer. I don’t think you can blame Donadoni for that. However, if Italy fail to qualify then the excuses will count for nothing and he will be gone.

MeanSucka - What do you think of John Terry's sudden knee injury ahead of the Russia match? I'm sure it will give more fuel to the whole "plastic pitch" fire, no? I can't believe some people are comparing Field Turf - which is relatively new to the Astroturf fields of the 80's and 70's. That's pretty bad journalism, isn't it?

Bobby – Terry’s knee was a problem before he got any place close to a “plastic pitch”. Blaming his knee locking on the Moscow pitch? You might as well every other injury on grass surfaces. Newer artificial surfaces versus what we had 20 years ago was the point I made on Monday’s show - it is not an apples to apples comparison.

CIAO - Do you think any of the clubs fighting for CL glory need to bring in any additional players? Are any of the Ajax player cup tied? Do you think Huntelaar will make his long awaited move to a bigger club in January?

Bobby – It very tough to find players that are not cup tied so any “winter” signings tend to play in domestic leagues and allow the players they have replaced to be rested for the European games. Ajax players – if they played – are cup-tied. There were a few posters that were telling me a few months ago that Huntelaar was sure to go to a big club last summer – it did not happen and it may not happen in January either.

Gegz - Don't you think that Ever Banega should be included in the Argentina line-up as he may be the long-term replacement for Riquelme? And don't you think at times Tevez tends to overdo it a bit?

Bobby – I don’t see Banega as a long term replacement for Riquelme – he has a very different style. Having Riquelme in the side dictates that Argentina plays through him – otherwise he doesn’t bring very much to the team.

Banega brings a bit of everything with him - more like a Redondo. Tevez’s strength is his desire and his ability to run at defenders – he would not be the same player if you asked him to do anything different.

Craig_f - The plonker and his mate on Fox are talking about Premier League games outside England, either in the US or Asia. Kind of a mirror of what the NFL is doing with the Giants Dolphins at Wembley.

Bobby – I have no idea why anyone would suggest taking Premier league games outside of England. There is no business case to be made for a move like that. The NFL does it because they need to try and develop an overseas market for their product. That is not a problem for the Premiership. It sounds as if someone may have come up with an answer before making sure that they understand the problem. And to top it off I can only imagine the sanctioning and jurisdictional issues that something like that would create.

I will put up a midweek European Championship qualifying post on Wednesday morning.

Argentina made it yet another FIFA under-20 World Cup win after coming back from a goal down to beat a battling Czech Republic. These two sides are played to a scoreless draw in the group stage and after an hour of play in this match we had gone one hundred and fifty minutes without a goal – and then we got two inside two minutes.

Fenin opened the scoring with a goal good enough to win any final when he swiveled in the penalty area and hooked an unstoppable shot past Romero in the Argentina goal. It was just what the Czechs needed and wanted – to get their noses in front.

But the lead would disappear in a matter of seconds as Banega threaded a ball through to an unmarked Aguero who bore down on goal and rolled the ball past Petr. It was a bad lapse in concentration and a costly one. From then on there was only going to be one winner as the Czechs heads visibly dropped.

A Moralez shot demanded a save from Petr as Banega started to totally dominate the midfield and orchestrate attack after attack. Just as extra time seemed to be a good bet Zarate became the man of the moment. It started with substitute Acosta darting into the Czech box and he clipped shot was deflected over the crossbar.

The resultant corner kick was played short to Zarate who cut back into the penalty and let go what appeared to be a routine shot. It was nothing the kind as Czech keeper Radek Petr misplayed the ball as it skipped into the corner of the net for the winner.

The last few minutes were played out with no threat to Argentina’s goal.

Tournament Notes
The final possession statistic was Argentina 63% to the Czech Republic’s 37%.
Ten yellow cards were handed out by referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco of Spain – six to the Czech Republic and four to Argentina. It was a game that he kept well under control throughout.
Sergio Aguero finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
Giovanni Dos Santos received the Bronze Ball, Maximiliano Moralez the Silver and Sergio Aguero the Golden Ball. My votes went to Gold – Moralez, Silver – Banega and Bronze to Vidangoosy.
Japan won the FIFA Fair Play trophy. 
The first half had been tense affair but one that was not without incident. The game needed a goal and once it came the match really sparked to life.
Matias Sanchez who deputized for Claudio Yacob played like a young Diego Simeone complete with the same running style.
Just before the match I ran into Peter Montopoli the Exective Director for the tournament – a man who deserves great credit for the success of the event. He looked as if he was looking forward to a drink or four tonight.

As with the other semi final played the previous night this one was essentially decided in the first quarter of an hour. Only seven minutes after Chile goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli had set a new FIFA under-20 World Cup record for minutes without conceding a goal Argentina finally solved the puzzle that five other countries in over 480 minutes of play had failed to solve.

Banega drove forward from midfield and after winning a decisive tackle inside Chile’s half he floated a beautiful play into the path of Di Maria. In full stride Di Maria struck the ball from the left side of the penalty into the postage stamp corner of Toselli’s top right hand corner.

Three minutes later and Chile was a goal down and a man down. Argentina’s right back Mercado and Chile’s midfielder Medal clashed as the ball went out of play for a throw in around the half way line. Mercado was clearly the first player to kick out as he fell to ground while a fraction of a second later Medal also flailed out with his right boot.

It didn’t look as if Medal made contact but Mercado’s reaction indicated a boot to the face. Medal was sent off and Mercado escaped censure. Both should have been sent to the dressing room.

Despite being down a man Chile enjoyed more possession and Cortes came close with an outrageous shot from only a couple of yards from inside Argentina’s half. Caught off his line and furiously back-peddling keeper Romero was relieved to see the shot drift a foot or so wide.

The second half was more of the same. Yacob gave Argentina a two-goal lead after a neat cut back from Moralez. Then referee Wolfgang Stark sent off Currimilla after a second yellow card. The foul count continued to mount as the second half ebbed away and Argentina capped the night off with a third this time from Moralez.

The statistics at the end of the match showed a total of 53 fouls with nine yellow cards (two turning into a red) and two red cards to Chile. Argentina picked up two yellow cards to Cahias and Yacob and both will miss the final. Di Maria looked to have pulled a hamstring in the second half and he looks like he will struggle to make Sunday’s starting line-up.

Chile vs. Argentina
Time (EST), date & location – 19:45, July 19 at the National Soccer Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto.

Referee
Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Just as with Austria versus Czech Republic, this semi final sees two countries from not only the same federation competing but two countries that share a common border.

Past Performance
This is only Chile’s fifth appearance in the finals and they have already matched their best ever performance. Back in 1987 when they hosted the event they finished fourth. In 1995 and 2001 Chile failed to make it past the group stage while two years ago in Holland they were beaten by the Netherlands 3-0 in the round of sixteen.  

No other country can match Argentina’s record in this competition. They have won a record five world titles (four cups the last six tournaments) and finished as runner-up in 1983. In the history of the competition they have played 63 games, winning 47, drawing 3 and losing 14. 

How they reached the semi-final
Both countries hold identical records of four wins and one tie in five games to date.
An opening group game against host nation Canada looked to be a problem fixture but Chile put on a tremendous display of passing and movement to easily win 3-0. The Congo was dispatched by the same score in the next match and that result guaranteed that Chile would move on to the next stage. A scoreless draw with Austria meant that Chile finished top of group A.

A goal from midfielder Arturo Vidal was enough to beat Portugal in the round of sixteen which set up a quarter final match with group F runners-up Nigeria. Scoreless after regulation time Chile exploded with four goals in the extra thirty minutes. In the process Chile became the first national team at any level of FIFA competition to score four goals in extra time of a World Cup.

Argentina opened with a dominating but fruitless performance against the Czech Republic. Out shooting the Czech’s 29-3 and enjoying the majority of the possession made little difference as the game finished scoreless.

It was a very different outcome in the next game when Argentina scored four goals in a seven minute first half spell before going onto the beat Panama 6-0. The last game in round robin play needed a swerving Aguero free kick to beat a pesky North Korea 1-0.

Argentina then produced a very good performance to beat Poland 3-1 in the round of sixteen. After going a goal down Argentina rebounded with an equalizer from Di Maria before half time and with only seconds gone in the second half Aguero produced a piece of magic that would turn out to be the winning goal.

Argentina versus Mexico was the most anticipated game of the quarter final stage but although an enthralling contest the game never hit the heights that the neutrals expected. It was very much a war of midfield attrition as both sides had little or no space and time in which to operate. In the end Argentina got the only goal after a Moralez shot was deflected past Blanco in Mexico’s goal. Mexico was left to rue Vela’s first half shot that rebounded of the post and another that squirmed through Romero’s legs only to go wide.

Goalkeepers
Chile’s goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli is on the brink of setting a new record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal at an under-20 World Cup. He is only five minutes short of breaking the current mark set by Claudio Taffarel in 1985. Toselli has being totally unflappable to date and his control of the penalty area and his distribution has been impeccable.

Sergio Romero has only been beaten once and that by Poland in the round of sixteen. Romero’s performances have been largely overlooked as the likes of Aguero and Banega have received most of the media attention. However, when called upon he has looked confident and has pulled off big saves when needed. 

Edge – Even.

Defense
With only one goal conceded in the ten games that these two countries have played so far it is difficult to pick faults. However, the styles employed are very different. Argentina is a much more physical imposing defense with Fazio and Cahais dominating the central positions. Mercado and Insua (presently with Liverpool) make up the first choice back four that has only been changed in order to mitigate yellow card suspensions. If there is one possible weakness in the Argentine back four it would be a tendency now and again for Fazio to dwell on the ball.

Chile relies much more on anticipation and positioning. Like Argentina, the Chile defense has been very stable with Christian Suarez, Nicolas Larrondo and Hans Martinez logging the majority of the time. Chile will have Arturo Vida l back afer a one-game suspension. Vidal seems to have been given free-rein to flit between defense and midfield in a fluid formation. Vidal’s versatility also extends to goal scoring. He has scored two goals so far including the game winner against Portugal. Larrondo has been one of the great under valued players of the tournament. 

Edge – Chile.

Midfield
Expect this game to be played in a similar vain to Argentina’s last game against Mexico. Space will be at a premium in midfield as both teams place on an emphasis on ensuring that neither is allowed time to settle.

Chile will be looking to what has very much been a no-name midfield. Mauricio Isla (2 goals against Nigeria), Gary Medel and Dagoberto Currimilla have played in all five games and almost every minute of the tournament so far but have received little credit or attention. They have, however, been extremely effective.

Ever Banega is in the classic Argentine playmaker mould. Comfortable on the ball he constantly provides an outlet for his team mates and is incessantly prodding for holes in the opposition defense. Claudio Yacob has the responsibility of ball winning and ensuring that the back four is shielded. Although listed as a forward Pablo Piatti can normally be found on the left side of midfield while the diminutive Maximiliano Moralez has flitted from side to side as well as tucking into the space just behind the two strikers.

Edge – Argentina.

Attack
Both teams have scored eleven goals but while Chile has had seven goal scorers Argentina has had to rely on only four players. Chile’s goal scoring in this tournament is even more impressive when you consider that one of their more potent attacking options has played less than half the time. Suspension meant Alexis Sanchez missed the first game and an injured shoulder restricted his game-time in the knock out rounds.

In the meantime Mathias Vidangoosy has stepped up and has been one of the outstanding players of the competition so far. His willingness and confidence to take on defenders has been refreshing as well as entertaining. Nicolas Medina normally plays as the lone central striker.

Argentina has the tournaments equal leading scorer in Sergio Aguero and a player who could on his day win a game virtually on his own. Angel Di Maria scored the equalizer against Poland and also set up Moralez for his game-winning goal against Mexico with a fantastic little reverse pass. Di Maria works incredibly hard in support of Aguero and if past games are anything to go by we can expect to see him substituted for Lautaro Acosta with twenty minutes or so left to play.

Edge – Even.

Coaching & Intangibles
Both Jose Sulantay (Chile) and Hugo Tocalli (Argentina) will be pleased with progress to date but very aware that expectations back home are greater than just a place in the last four.

While Argentina has enjoyed repeated success at this level for a country like Chile opportunities such as this come along infrequently. FSR anchor Mitch Peacock told me early in the tournament that the focus and intensity of Chile at practice was impressive and they had the aura of a side that could win the competition.

For Argentina Coach Hugo Tocalli it is an opportunity to move past the semi final stage at a World Cup. This is the fourth time Tocalli has been in charge of an Argentina side at the semi final stage and the last three times they have failed to move on. Even so Argentina’s record of eight semi final appearances in twelve attempts emphasizes the past glories that the current side will be more than aware of.

Edge – Even.

Prediction – Argentina on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

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.

Before we start to look at some of the teams and players that will be competing at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup it is worth taking a moment to look at the rules governing the competition.

Back in March of this year the draw for the tournament was made in Toronto. The format called for six groups of four countries playing a single round robin. The top two countries from each group along with the four best third place finishers will move on to a last 16 with all the last matches in each group being played simultaneously.

Rankings in group play will be decided in the following order: most points gained in group matches, goal difference in all group matches, most goals scored in all group matches. If still tied the tie-breaker will progress through; most points gained in head-to-head matches, goal difference in head-to-head matches, most goals scored in head-to-head matches, fair play system in which the number of yellow and red cards are evaluated, drawing of lots.

The four best place finishers will be determined by; most points gained in group matches, goal difference in all group matches, most goals scored in all group matches, fair play system in which the number of yellow and red cards are evaluated, drawing of lots.

With the four best third place finishers moving on the permutations for the round of sixteen are numerous. It is a topic that we will revisit in a future blog. 

From the last sixteen on, it is a straight knock out competition. In the case of a tie in the knock out stage two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played in full and if still tied the game will be decided by penalty kicks. 

All teams must arrive in the host country at least four days before the opening match regardless of the date of their first match. Eligibility criteria are that all players must have been born on or after January 1, 1987.

The final team list comprises 21 players, “three of whom shall be goalkeepers”. The final team list is due ten working days before the opening match of the competition so according to me calculations all the rosters must have been lodged. Having said this FIFA has yet to post the final squads on the official site. 

A player listed on the final team list may be replaced in the event of serious injury up until 24 hours before the kick-off of a team’s first game.

Atleti-female has provided an update on the Argentine squad
“The coach of Argentina's U-20 team, Hugo Tocalli, chose many of the same players that he used for the South American U-20 Cup 2007 in Paraguay. So, supporters of Argentina will not notice many surprises.
A few changes exist in the offence: Mauro Zárate (striker for Vélez Sársfield), Damián Escudero (midfielder for Vélez Sársfield) and Sergio Agüero (striker for Atlético Madrid) will debut in Canada after missing out on the South American U-20 Cup due to complications with their respective clubs.
Coach Tocalli also included Pablo Daniel Piatti (striker for Estudiantes) and Alejandro Cabral (midfielder for Vélez Sársfield) as they have had fairly impressive seasons at their respective clubs.
Gonzalo Abán, Pablo Mouche and Ismael Sosa lost their spots on the squad due to mediocre seasons and/or injuries. Gonzalo Higuaín, striker for Real Madrid, asked to sit this competition out because the club would like him to rest and prepare for next season's campaign.

Here's the full squad list:
1 Sergio Romero-goalkeeper- Racing
2 Federico Fazio-defender-Sevilla
3 Emiliano Insúa-defender-Liverpool
4 Gabriel Mercado-defender-Racing
5 Ever Banega-midfielder-Boca Juniors
6 Matías Cahais-defender-Boca Juniors
7 Claudio Yacob-midfielder-Racing
8 Matías Sánchez-midfielder-Racing
9 Mauro Zárate-striker-Vélez Sársfield
10 Sergio Agüero-striker-Atlético Madrid de España
11 Damián Escudero-striker-Vélez Sársfield
12 Javier García-goalkeeper-Boca Juniors
13 Germán Voboril-defender-San Lorenzo
14 Leonardo Sigali-defender-Nueva Chicago
15 Alejandro Cabral-defender-Vélez Sársfield
16 Alejandro Gómez-midfielder-Arsenal de Sarandí
17 Maximiliano Moralez-midfielder-Racing
18 Ángel Di Maria-midfielder-Rosario Central
19 Pablo Daniel Piatti-striker-Estudiantes de La Plata
20 Lautaro Acosta-striker-Lanús
21 Bruno Emiliano Centeno-goalkeeper-San Lorenzo

'Vamos Argentina!'”

You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a selection regularly. If you have a blog and you have information on the tournament please post your link under comments.

The tournament starts on June 30, with the final set for Toronto on July 22. Make sure to tune in nightly to the Fox Soccer Report at 10:00 EST on Fox Sports World Report in Canada and Fox Soccer Channel in the USA.