Wednesday 29 January 2014
Brazil and Paraguay have both won through to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 with a match to spare in their qualifying campaign in Fray Bentos, Uruguay.
Although Brazil have featured in all six previous tournaments, Paraguay will be making their global debut in Canada.
The pair won their opening two matches in South America’s final four-nation qualifying stage to earn an unassailable lead ahead of the final matchday on Friday.
The South American champion will be determined when the two leading teams meet, with Brazil having won all five previous editions of the tournament.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup will take place between 5 and 24 August across four Canadian cities.
Nigeria, Ghana make it three on the trot
(African Football Media) Monday 27 January 2014
© Getty Images
Canada 2014 will see a return of Nigeria and Ghana to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as the two giants of African women's youth football emerged victorious from the CAF qualifiers - albeit in very different fashion.
The Super Falconets won their six matches, scoring a record-breaking 31 goals in the process without conceding one, while Ghana had to come from behind to oust Equatorial Guinea, who beat them 1-0 in the first leg of their final round tie. The west Africans won the return leg in Accra 1-0 courtesy of Grace Adams' early goal, sending the game straight to a penalty shoot-out. There the Black Princess' won 4-3 to ensure their third consecutive appearance at the finals.
After the contest, coach Bashir Hayford said that they dominated the game, even though their opponents played well defensively. "We went forward, but we could not penetrate because they were too compact in the middle, and they were tall and physical."
The two games against the central Africans were the only two matches the Ghanaians played as their first round opponents Guinea-Bissau withdrew, as did Uganda, whom they were to face in the second round. Hayford said the lack of matches hurt the players. "We did not play any competitive games until the Equatorial Guinea match, so I think we were match rusty. But we will prepare very well before we travel to the World Cup."
In contrast, Nigeria, who with Brazil, Germany and USA have been omnipresent at the finals, had to play in all three rounds. They thrashed Sierra Leone 16-0 on aggregate in the first round, including a 10-0 rout in the first leg, with Uchechi Sunday scoring five times. The striker, who represented the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ and was a member of the Nigerian under-20 side that finished second at the World Cup in 2010, top-scored in the qualifiers with ten goals.
In the second round the west Africans, who finished fourth in Japan two years ago, enjoyed two 4-0 victories against Tunisia to qualify for the final round against South Africa. A 6-0 in the first leg in Abuja all but killed the tie, with the Nigerians following up with a 1-0 win in Johannesburg in the return leg. Yetunde Adeboyejo scored the only goal of the game early in the first half.
Nigerian coach Peter Dedevbo dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had no tough matches because the opposition was so weak. "No, it is not because we do not have any opposition. It is because I have a good team. This present U-20 team has been together for a long time. This was the team that played in the U-17 World Cup in 2012 together. So you know, this team is experienced."
A record-breaking victory
In the preliminary round, Uganda set a scoring record, beating newcomers South Sudan 13-0 in the return leg in Kampala for the biggest-ever victory in the African qualifiers. Disappointingly it was to remain their last game in the competition as their first-round opponents Egypt withdrew and the east Africans themselves then failed to play their second round games against Ghana.
South Africa, who received a bye into the second round, had few problems in overcoming Tanzania 4-1 and 5-0 for a 9-1 aggregate victory before becoming unstuck against the dominant Nigerians. The other side in the final round, Equatorial Guinea, beat Côte d'Ivoire 6-2 on aggregate in the first round and qualified for the play-offs by beating Zambia 2-0 and 4-0.
There were also good performances from Tanzania, who twice beat Mozambique (10-0 and 5-1) before losing out to South Africa and Zambia - who beat Namibia 1-0 and 2-0 - as well as Tunisia who overcome their North African rivals Morocco 4-0 and 4-1. But at the end of the day, none of them were strong enough to prevent the Super Falconets and the Black Princess' from making their third finals in a row.
The Super Falconets won their six matches, scoring a record-breaking 31 goals in the process without conceding one, while Ghana had to come from behind to oust Equatorial Guinea, who beat them 1-0 in the first leg of their final round tie. The west Africans won the return leg in Accra 1-0 courtesy of Grace Adams' early goal, sending the game straight to a penalty shoot-out. There the Black Princess' won 4-3 to ensure their third consecutive appearance at the finals.
After the contest, coach Bashir Hayford said that they dominated the game, even though their opponents played well defensively. "We went forward, but we could not penetrate because they were too compact in the middle, and they were tall and physical."
The two games against the central Africans were the only two matches the Ghanaians played as their first round opponents Guinea-Bissau withdrew, as did Uganda, whom they were to face in the second round. Hayford said the lack of matches hurt the players. "We did not play any competitive games until the Equatorial Guinea match, so I think we were match rusty. But we will prepare very well before we travel to the World Cup."
In contrast, Nigeria, who with Brazil, Germany and USA have been omnipresent at the finals, had to play in all three rounds. They thrashed Sierra Leone 16-0 on aggregate in the first round, including a 10-0 rout in the first leg, with Uchechi Sunday scoring five times. The striker, who represented the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ and was a member of the Nigerian under-20 side that finished second at the World Cup in 2010, top-scored in the qualifiers with ten goals.
In the second round the west Africans, who finished fourth in Japan two years ago, enjoyed two 4-0 victories against Tunisia to qualify for the final round against South Africa. A 6-0 in the first leg in Abuja all but killed the tie, with the Nigerians following up with a 1-0 win in Johannesburg in the return leg. Yetunde Adeboyejo scored the only goal of the game early in the first half.
Nigerian coach Peter Dedevbo dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had no tough matches because the opposition was so weak. "No, it is not because we do not have any opposition. It is because I have a good team. This present U-20 team has been together for a long time. This was the team that played in the U-17 World Cup in 2012 together. So you know, this team is experienced."
A record-breaking victory
In the preliminary round, Uganda set a scoring record, beating newcomers South Sudan 13-0 in the return leg in Kampala for the biggest-ever victory in the African qualifiers. Disappointingly it was to remain their last game in the competition as their first-round opponents Egypt withdrew and the east Africans themselves then failed to play their second round games against Ghana.
South Africa, who received a bye into the second round, had few problems in overcoming Tanzania 4-1 and 5-0 for a 9-1 aggregate victory before becoming unstuck against the dominant Nigerians. The other side in the final round, Equatorial Guinea, beat Côte d'Ivoire 6-2 on aggregate in the first round and qualified for the play-offs by beating Zambia 2-0 and 4-0.
There were also good performances from Tanzania, who twice beat Mozambique (10-0 and 5-1) before losing out to South Africa and Zambia - who beat Namibia 1-0 and 2-0 - as well as Tunisia who overcome their North African rivals Morocco 4-0 and 4-1. But at the end of the day, none of them were strong enough to prevent the Super Falconets and the Black Princess' from making their third finals in a row.
Finishing line nears for Canada 2014 hopefuls
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 7 January 2014
© Getty Images
This frenzy of qualifying action will begin on Thursday in the Cayman Islands, where North, Central American and the Caribbean's finest will do battle in the CONCACAF finals, and will be swiftly followed by decisive matches in Africa, Oceania and South America.
In total, seven places are up for grabs across the confederations, with hopefuls in all four regions aiming to join China PR, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany and hosts Canada in booking their place at the U-20 women’s showpiece.
Former winners look to shine In South America, all ten of CONMEBOL’s member associations will be represented as the battle for the continent’s two spots at Canada 2014 takes place across two cities: Montevideo and Fray Bentos. The Uruguayan capital will host Group A, in which the hosts will go up against Colombia, Chile, Venezuela and holders Brazil, who are aiming to win the tournament for a sixth successive time.
While the Brazilians will naturally start as hot favourites to maintain their 100 per cent record of having qualified for every U-20 Women’s World Cup to date, the race to join them could be wide open. Colombia – who reached the final in 2010 – will fancy their chances of advancing from the section, as will Uruguay themselves.
Argentina, meanwhile – Brazil’s main traditional rivals in this competition – will be hoping to dominate Group B, in which Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru are their opponents. The top two qualify from each section, with the final four scrapping it out for two berths that will be decided on 26 January.
We have players with very unique qualities.
USA coach Michelle French
Among the standout names in the American squad named by Michelle French is Lindsey Horan, who has already turned professional with Paris Saint-Germain, and young midfielder Andi Sullivan, who only recently celebrated her 18th birthday. And there is no mistaking their coach’s confidence.
"We have players with very unique qualities ranging from creative and effective finishers, to players who are threatening with their dynamic movement in the midfield, to players who are defensively strong and physical in one-on-one situations,” said French. “Our overall athleticism will be another strength."
With U-20 Women’s World Cup hosts Canada already guaranteed a spot at their own party, the confederation’s remaining hopefuls will be vying for three spots – offering an unprecedented opportunity to nations that have never before reached the global finals. Indeed, while USA will be expected to top Group A and Mexico – who have qualified for five out of six previous U-20 world finals - to dominate Group B, a place in the semi-finals will also be the target for the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
All eyes on Nigeria, New Zealand In Africa, where CAF have already held two rounds of qualifying, only the heavyweights remain. The two places on offer will be decided over the next couple of weeks, with Nigeria squaring up to South Africa and Ghana taking on Equatorial Guinea, in the final-round ties that will determine who qualifies for Canada 2014.
As Africa’s only ever-present at the six previous editions of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria undoubtedly have history on their side. However, South Africa have impressed during qualifying and will, like Equatorial Guinea, have realistic hopes of reaching their first-ever world finals at this level.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be the team to beat in Oceania. The Kiwis have won every edition of the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship since Australia’s departure to the Asian Football Confederation, and with this year’s tournament on home soil, will be confident of claiming their continent’s solitary spot at Canada 2014.
France front Canada-bound quartet
(FIFA.com) Sunday 1 September 2013
© Getty Images
France will travel to next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as European champions after emerging triumphant from a keenly contested continental championship. Les Bleuettes will be joined by England, the team they beat 2-0 in yesterday’s final, as well as Germany - their semi-final victims - and surprise packages Finland.
Gilles Eyquem’s side were worthy champions, having reclaimed the UEFA U-19 Women’s Championship crown they last won in 2010 thanks to wins over the likes of Denmark, hosts Wales and, most notably, the Germans and English. It took extra time to see off Mo Marley’s Young Lionesses, but a pair of headed goals from Sandie Toletti and Aminata Diallo secured the trophy and left Eyquem glowing with pride.
“It is a great pleasure because the girls have put in loads of effort to achieve this,” he enthused. “This is a victory for the team and for the group as a whole. It is a very good win but for a good match there have to be two teams.”
England, the team to which Eyquem paid this compliment, made the short journey home from Llanelli with heads justifiably held high. There was certainly more than enough in their 4-0 semi-final win over Finland - not to mention a group campaign in which they finished ahead of the French - to suggest that Marley’s team will be well worth watching at next year’s finals.
“It is always difficult to lose but from a coaching and management perspective it doesn't actually feel like we've lost,” was the England coach's reaction after losing the final. “The girls getting here, the way they've conducted themselves, the way they've performed for the whole of the tournament; I've just told them we're really proud of them, we're really proud of what they've achieved.”
Finns flying high
The Finns, too, will have no trouble finding crumbs of comfort despite their thumping defeat to Marley’s England in the last four. Merely securing a return to the U-20 world finals is a major success for Marianne Miettinen’s side, all the more so as their place was secured at the expense of Norway and reigning European champions, Sweden. Their coach certainly had no trouble accentuating the positive.
The Finns, too, will have no trouble finding crumbs of comfort despite their thumping defeat to Marley’s England in the last four. Merely securing a return to the U-20 world finals is a major success for Marianne Miettinen’s side, all the more so as their place was secured at the expense of Norway and reigning European champions, Sweden. Their coach certainly had no trouble accentuating the positive.
She said: “The players would be in the wrong place if they weren't disappointed [by the 4-0 defeat to England]. But I told them that tomorrow, when we go home, we go as winners. We played three really good games and got the ticket to Canada, so we must be proud of that. This experience was fantastic for Finnish women's and girls' football. These players will be key players in the national team in a few years and it will be important that they participated in this tournament.”
Germany will also be in Canada next August but, unlike their fellow qualifiers, they could not claim to be happy with their tournament’s work. Not that there was an absence of encouraging signs during the group phase, and in the prolific form of 17-year-old Pauline Bremer, who scored six times to claim the top scorer’s prize with ease.
Nonetheless, the Germans have come to see anything short of victory at these tournaments as failure and, as such, their semi-final exit to France proved difficult to stomach. Left-back Manjou Wilde described the defeat as “bitter” to UEFA.com, while midfielder Rebecca Knaak felt that they paid for a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. "I think it was a really even game,” she said of the 2-1 defeat, “but it came down to us not taking our chances – we certainly had enough of them. Maybe we lacked a bit of luck."
Germany, at least, have the consolation of being able to atone for a disappointing tournament at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. That opportunity will not be available to Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Wales, who missed out on a ticket due to disappointing results in the group stage.
All four will now look on enviously as their European counterpart do battle for global glory in Canada.
Korea Republic recapture Asian laurels
Monday 21 October 2013
© Getty Images
Asia’s line-up for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 was completed on Sunday with Korea Republic, Korea DPR and hosts China PR securing a top-three finish at the AFC U-19 Women's Championship to book passage to next year's global showpiece.
The six-team campaign, staged in Nanjing from 11-20 October, saw the Taegeuk Nangja (Taegeuk Ladies) go five matches undefeated as they recaptured the Asian laurels, having claimed their maiden success in the 2004 edition.
Taking heart from their brilliant performances in the past two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups, coach Jong Songchon’s side entered the campaign seeking their fourth global appearance. Their hopes were, though, dealt a blow in the 2-2 opening draw against China PR during which they only narrowly avoided defeat.
A 7-0 rout of Myanmar saw Korea Republic put their campaign back on track, before they overcame high-flying Japan 2-0 to move into the top three. After registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Korea DPR, they edged a desperate Australia by an identical scoreline to seal their second Asian title.
"Even though we had some difficulties (against Australia), the players got over the problems with their strong mentality," said coach Jong. “In Asia it's quite difficult to qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, because the other teams are very strong."
"We did our best with our tactics throughout the tournament. The players showed they were strong in both technical and tactical terms. Now we know the World Cup is happening for us, and we will draw up preparatory plans when we get back," he added.
Also excelling throughout were pre-tournament favourites Korea DPR, who opened brightly by thrashing Australia 6-2 with top-striker Ri Un Sim completing a treble. A solitary-goal defeat of China was followed by a 2-0 win against Myanmar as the 2006 world champions maintained their unblemished record. Although they narrowly lost to Korea Republic, a goalless draw against Japan was enough to secure their place as tournament runners-up.
Hosts scrape through China, runners-up at both Thailand 2004 and Russia 2006, had set their sights on no less than a fifth qualification. But coach Wang Jun's home side got off to a lacklustre start against Korea Republic, before a 1-0 defeat to Korea DPR saw their chances left hanging by a thread.
"We had planned to seal qualification with victories against Korea Republic, Australia and Myanmar, but the results of the opening two matches largely dented our chances," coach Wang told FIFA.com reflecting on their campaign. "We were forced to change our strategy thereafter and I was satisfied that our players did well in implementing our game plans."
The hosts' tactical changes paid off when they recorded a crucial 2-1 comeback triumph against an Australian side hampered by the loss of key players to senior national team duty. Cheered on by the home crowd, the Chinese battled from behind to draw 2-2 against Japan. In the closing matchday they thumped Myanmar 8-0, a result which saw them narrowly edge Japan to third place on goal difference and qualification for Canada 2014.
"The Australia win was crucial for us," continued Wang. "The result revived our hopes and provided us with a timely morale-boost. We are now in the World Cup but our players have their work cut out if they are to improve well enough to compete against the world's best teams."
Burgeoning starlets
Korea Republic proved to be the tournament's best scorers with 15 goals scored in five games. But they were indebted to captain Jang Selgi, who emerged as the competition's brightest star. The dynamic No 10 was on target in the opener against China, before netting five times as her side ran riot against Myanmar.
Korea Republic proved to be the tournament's best scorers with 15 goals scored in five games. But they were indebted to captain Jang Selgi, who emerged as the competition's brightest star. The dynamic No 10 was on target in the opener against China, before netting five times as her side ran riot against Myanmar.
After again getting her name on the scoresheet against Korea DPR, she scored goal number eight against Australia. Her prolific form and leadership saw her crowned as both the tournament’s Most Valued Player and top-scorer.
China, too, impressed through their free-scoring style despite finishing behind Korea DPR. They were the campaign's second best goal-scorers, just a goal shy of Korea Republic. Striking-ace Wang Shuang managed a brace against Australia, before completing a hat-trick against Myanmar. Partnering her on the front-line was Song Duan, who racked up four goals to further aid China’s cause.
"These players form our nucleus alongside other key players including midfielders Lv Yueyun and Zhao Xinzhai," Wang summed up. "But the team should improve their technical and tactical levels. I hope that we can have a team capable of winning by controlling proceedings with passing and teamwork when we head to Canada next year."
Korea Republic building for global success
(FIFA.com) Saturday 1 September 2012
© Getty Images
The Class of 2012 may not have reached the same dizzy heights as Trinidad & Tobago 2010, when the side were crowned world champions - the nation’s only global crown since being affiliated to FIFA in 1948 – however, the portents are extremely positive for South Korean women’s football.
Korea Republic’s charge for the title at Japan 2012 ended at the quarter-final stage with a 3-1 defeat against the host nation in a high-quality encounter, with both sets of teams laden with skilful and technically adept players. The match was a clear illustration of the rapidly growing stature of the women’s game in east Asia.
The Taeguk Ladies earlier bounced back from an opening defeat against 2010 finalists Nigeria to advance from their group with victories over Brazil and Italy.
Young stars shine brightly
Korea Republic had numerous budding talents on display at Japan 2012, with Jeoun Eunha, Lee Sodam, Lee Geummin and Lee Youngju chief among them.
The team’s results were all the more meritorious considering they were forced to make do without injured attacking starlet Yeo Minji for the majority of the tournament. The No10 burst onto the international scene in spectacular fashion at Trinidad & Tobago 2010, winning the adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Boot.
Most of the players have the potential to take part in the senior national team and go to the World Cup.
Jong Songchon, Korea Republic coach
“The youth development programs are very important for our football, resulting with performances like we had in some games of the tournament, which is encouraging for the future.”
Korea Republic have often been forced to make do with watching China PR and Korea DPR, and in more recent years Japan, collect all the glory. Indeed, Korea Republic have yet to claim an Asian title across 17 editions of the tournament.
But they will now have their gaze fixed firmly on qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, with the aim of ending a modest record of just one appearance on the world stage.
Success at youth level – the nation were semi-finalists at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – suggests the senior team is indeed ready to make a quantum leap at continental and global level.
“During this World Cup, some of our players were very young and this experience will help them in their individual development, tournament after tournament, year after year,” said Songchon.
“It's only with hard training every day that they will improve and will be able to look forward to the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada. If they train hard, and if they learn the lessons of this U-20 World Cup, then most of the players have the potential to take part in the senior national team and go to the World Cup.”
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