The Footie Fool

The 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada this summer will be the 16th time this tournament has been played. Here are 11 things you may or may not know about the competition.

1. After the World Cup, the U-20 World Cup is the second biggest soccer tournament in the world.
2. The tournament was born in 1974 when, as part of his election campaign for FIFA President, Dr. Joáo Havelange promises to launch a U-20 tournament.
3. Tunisia becomes the first nation to host a World Youth Championship in 1977. 16 countries participated. The tournament was won by the former Soviet Union, beating Mexico on a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw.
4. Prior to 1981, games were 40 minute halves. In 1981, the rules were changed and games in the competition move from 40 to 45 minute halves, bringing the format in line with the Senior Men’s World Cup.
5. In 1997 the tournament expanded from 16 to 24 teams.
6. South American countries have won the competition 9 of the 15 times it has been held. Argentine has won 5, with Brazil winning 4.
7. Brazil has never hosted the tournament.
8. Argentina star Javier Saviola holds the record for most goals scored – 11 goals in 7 matches during the 2001 tournament in Argentina. He remains the only player to win both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.
9. Another Argentinian, Diego Maradona was the first notable world player to emerge from the tournament and reached world stardom. Other players of note who have participated in the tournament include Luís Figo, Dwight Yorke (1991), David Trézéguet, Thierry Henry, Juan Román Riquelme, Michael Owen, Damien Duff (1997), Ronaldinho, Íker Casillas (1999), Arjen Robben, Adriano, Michael Essien, Javier Saviola (2001), Carlos Tévez (2003), and Lionel Messi (2005).
10. Portugal and Argentina are the only two nations that have won the tournament at home. Portugal did it in 1991, Argentina in 2001.
11. All continents except Oceania had made the appearance in the final match of the tournament.