It was rather a bad luck for Mexico or should we say a brilliant comeback from Spain when they came from behind and overcome their pre-quarterfinalist by 2-1 in the Under-20 world cup. Spain, who is already Under-19 European champion, will join other confirmed quarterfinalists France and Uzbekistan in the last eight. The match began keeping Spain as the favorite but when Arturo Gonzalez’s brilliant diagonal shot could not be stopped by Daniel Sotres, it was 1-0 on the scoreboard in Mexico’s favor. We have already seen in Confederation Cup final that what an initial lead can mean for a team, and here, when Mexico got the initial lead, it was like a repeat of Confed. cup final for Spain where they were in a similar situation after Fed’s initial goal. But today was the day for European champions and they showed the world why they are the top ranking team in the world. Soon after an initial trail, Spanish strikers took the game more aggressively by their wonderful shot passes theory, but … [Read more...]
England out of Under-20 World Cup
England’s under-20 team again lost an important international event when they were thrown out of U20 world cup by Egypt. They lost by 2-0 and finished on the last place in their group; their defeat gave an indirect advantage to other two teams Iraq and Chile. Actually, England required at least a draw to keep its hopes alive but two late goals from Trezeguet and Hassan Ahmed ruined their odds to go to the knockout stage. It was their third match in the tournament after they drew their first two games. This is, in fact, the worst period going on for young English team coz they have played as many as 16 matches in world cup without even a single win which is a shocking for a team of this caliber. As far U20 world cup journey is concerned, it is full of miserable performances; coz they have not overcome in any WC match since 1997. Known out stage will begin from coming Tuesday when four more teams will be out of the scene. The match was rather a close one for both teams coz no one could … [Read more...]
Under-20 World Cup will go ahead despite violence in Turkey: FIFA
FIFA again shows its commitment about an international event despite ground level disturbances. This time, it shows its assurance to complete the Under-20 World Cup which is scheduled to be started from June 21. Turkey, the co-host of the event, is going through antigovernment riots; perhaps the situation is much tensed there as police is daily using tear gas and water cannons to spread the public. Istanbul, the host of all eleven Turkey’s world cup matches, is the badly affected area where demonstrations are being carried on by mobs throughout the city. It is among seven cities where world cup matches are to be played. Actually, the mob wants the event to be cancelled – something that FIFA is not willing to accept. World governing body has confirmed through a statement that it will allow football association to carry on the event despite severe protests. However, it has also made it sure that players’ safety is most important and adequate safety measures must be taken by the local … [Read more...]