It’s here! FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007
Okay, the hype is finally hitting overdrive here in Canada for the U-20 World Cup. Ticket sales are close to 1 million, the teams are all here and, after anticipating this moment for 2 years, we’re finally going to see some action.
I’ll be taking in all the games here in Victoria, starting with the Sunday double header with Scotland taking on Japan in the opening game, followed by Nigeria and Costa Rica. I’ll be expecting to see a lot of blue and white in the stands as there is a large ex-pat Scot community here in Victoria. Whether the Japanese community will also be out in full force remains to be seen.
A delegation arrived from Nigeria a few days ago and we can expect to see a bit of African flair springing up around the city over the next few weeks. The Nigerians will be setting up a temporary Nigerian restaurant at the Norway House and hosting celebrations immediately following each Nigerian game.
This group is really tough to call. If history is any indication, Nigeria should be a strong contender to take the group. The Flying Eagles lost to the Lionel Messi led Argentina in the 2005 version. But Nigeria will be without the services of Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, who was kicked out of the youth squad because he missed a game with the senior squad.
Scotland did exceptionally well in European qualifying and play a physical brand of soccer that could see a lot of cards go their way, but could also intimidate other teams. And Los Ticos are a traditional CONCACAF powerhouse. I can’t see Japan moving on to the next round.
Overall, I think Canada will do well. I know the official hope from the Canada camp is quarterfinals, but I think they could go farther. This is a team that will have home field advantage and, in the past year, has beaten Brazil, the U.S. and Scotland, and drew with the Czech Republic. They are certainly well prepared, and, baring any major injuries to key players or a massive bout of stage fright, they should be tough, competitive opponents.
Random Notes
Kudos to the CBC. Not only have they revamped their website, but the national broadcaster has put together a great U-20 World Cup section, and will be webcasting every game of the U-20 World Cup.
Canadian defender David Edgar looks like he has recovered from his injury and has been given the green light to play against Chile in the opener on Sunday.
Portugal’s U-20 team is calm and confident ahead of the U-20 World Cup as they face New Zealand in their opener on Monday.
Soccer America has pegged Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Mexico and Nigeria as the possible contenders for the title and they have a nice, brief overview of each of the 5 squads on their site.
