Report and Statistics - FIFA.com

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Overall Analysis
Confederations‘ Analysis
Sixteen teams took part in the FIFA U-20
Women’s World Championship Russia 2006,
four more than in Canada in 2002 or Thailand
in 2004, when both tournaments were
U-19 events with 12 teams. This time, extra
qualifi cation slots were awarded to South
America (CONMEBOL), Africa (CAF), Oceania
(OFC) and North/Central America and
the Caribbean (CONCACAF). The changes
meant that the teams were divided into four
groups instead of three, with an additional of
six more games to enjoy, bringing the total to
thirty-two in all.
Overall, the number of teams entering
the competition has increased by 32 since
the launch of the tournament in 2002. In
2002, 80 teams, in 2004, 91 teams and
in 2006, 112 teams participated in the
qualifying competitions organised by each
confederation in its own region.
AFC: Asia
(Australia, China PR, Korea DPR)
The teams from the Asian Football Confederation
(AFC) proved to be amongst the best
in the tournament, with two teams competing
in the fi nal. Korea DPR showed the most
consistent and best performance of all teams
in the tournament. Their fi nal victory, by a
margin of fi ve goals, was the most impressive
and imposing of the entire event.
China PR proved to be a very strong side in
their fi rst four games, but they struggled
in the games that counted. It was more by
strategy that China PR succeeded in earning a
spot in the fi nal. They won against the USA in
a penalty shoot out, but were then outplayed
in the fi nal by Korea DPR.
Australia, new to the confederation after having
competed in Oceania (OFC) until 2005,
offered good opposition in their group matches,
but failed to advance to the next round.
They ended up third behind Brazil (group
winners) and Russia, the winners of the 2005
UEFA U-19 European Championship. Russia
secured a draw in their last group game
against Australia, denying the Aussies the win
they needed to qualify for the next round.
CAF: Africa
(Congo DR, Nigeria)
With an additional slot awarded to Africa
(CAF), Congo DR were able to enter the fi nal
phase of the championship for the fi rst time.
Their appearance brought an end to 30 years
of failing to qualify for a FIFA fi nal competition
in either the men’s or the women’s game.
Congo DR’s football was as good as that of
some other teams. The players showed great
individual skills, but they lacked tactics and the
experience needed for such competitions.
Nigeria had more experience as half of the
team had played in the 2004 U-19 World
Championship in Thailand. Nigeria were in a
strong group featuring Canada and China PR,
who had both proven to be amongst the top
teams in past competitions. Nigeria’s athleticism,
skills, combative behaviour and willingness
to move forward to score goals helped
them take second place in their group ahead
of Canada and Finland, and the Nigerians only
just missed out on a place in the last four. With
a good performance and the ability to hold on
for a draw until almost the fi nal whistle in the
quarter-fi nal against Brazil, Nigeria missed a
chance to go through when the red card was
shown to their goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi.
From the resulting free kick, Brazil scored the
goal that sent Nigeria home.
CONCACAF: North, Central America
and the Caribbean
(Canada, Mexico, USA)
The CONCACAF teams fi nished lower than
in previous competitions. The USA were certainly
one of the best four teams in the tournament
and could have been on the podium.
In their last two games, the USA proved to
be a strong team on the fi eld but their failure
to score goals resulted in them losing both
games in penalty shoot outs.
Canada went home after the group matches
for the fi rst time due to a harsh last-minute
defeat by Nigeria and a second loss at the
hands of the team that ended up with the
silver medal, China PR. Canada did win three
points against Finland and they were a contender
for a quarter-fi nal spot, but ultimately
lost out to China PR and Nigeria.
Mexico fi nished third in the confederation
qualifying round but also booked their ticket
to Russia thanks to the additional slot. Russia
2006 was a great experience for this young
squad and this can only help to improve their
performance and bridge the gap to the top
teams in the world in this age group.
The confederation is developing well, with
seven new teams having entered the confederation’s
competition since 2002, including
fi ve newcomers in 2006 alone.
CONMEBOL: South America
(Argentina, Brazil)
With four additional teams since 2002,
CONMEBOL was awarded an extra slot, which
opened a door for Argentina to attend this
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship
Russia 2006. Although the head coach had
taken part in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World
Cup, these players were experiencing their
fi rst major competition away from home.
Although they had to face two of the top
two teams in the world, the USA and France,
Argentina were able to earn their fi rst three
points with a victory over Congo DR, who
were also making their debut at this level. The
Argentine team showed potential and will develop
further with more international games.
As for the Brazilian team, a lot was expected
from them considering their history in FIFA
fi nal competitions. Despite questionable performances
in their group matches, the team
raised its game against strong opponents
Korea DPR and the USA. Brazil’s ability to step
up their pace to match that of their opponents,
together with their very unique style,
proved that they are one of the top international
teams.
OFC: Oceania
(New Zealand)
Oceania was the last confederation to be
awarded a full slot, but most importantly for
New Zealand, Australia are no longer part of
the same confederation. New Zealand’s last
appearance was at the FIFA Women’s World
Cup in China PR in 1991. Interestingly, the
team found itself in the same group as Australia,
their former confederation rivals, as
well as Brazil and Russia. The Kiwi team featured
very young players many of whom will
be eligible for the next competition in 2008.
New Zealand showed potential and they were
particularly strong when they showed a willingness
to attack. The future looks promising
for a side that will no doubt have more access
to fi nal phases of FIFA competitions.
UEFA: Europe
(Finland, France, Germany, Russia,
Switzerland)
UEFA is by far the biggest confederation with
43 teams taking part in the fi rst stage of the
competition, with nine additional teams participating
since 2002. With the host country
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