2007 FIFA U20 World Cup

[lookwhaticando]

Hosted in Canada... they're even playing games here in Ottawa!

Brazil - USA seems to be the highlight of the group stages here in Ottawa... I'm wondering if it's worth swinging by that match.

It could be fun. Anyone else state-side planning on attending any of the matches?

Apparently this is the biggest single-sport event to be hosted by Canada, so it's pretty big really.

[Geo V]

I dont remember seeing it advertised here or if Sky or anyone else are broadcasting it but having watched some of the youth footy down the years, its always quality viewing to see both the wrecklessness and lack of fear from the kids. I hear Brazil have another superkid in Kerlon who may be eligable, I`d watch out for him if so.

Let us know of the future stars mate so we can tell MM!

[Finnegan]

Keep your eyes peeled on Mexico!

[lookwhaticando]

Keep your eyes peeled on Mexico!

If they finish second in their group and beat their opposition in the round of 16, they come to Ottawa for the quarter finals.

Scotland might come here for the round of 16 if they finish second in their group.

The teams with group stage games in Ottawa are Brazil, USA, Korean DPR, Panama, Argentina and Czech Republic. Could be worse.

I might drop by if there's tasty fixture - perhaps involving the Mexicans.

I could do some scouting for Leicester City... you can never have too much youth!

[Molson Canadian]

just talked to the one of the canadian coaches the other day nik dascovic he said canada has a good chance this year of progressing from the group stage, we split a friendly series with scotland who have some good prospects.

Group A Canada, Chile, Congo, Austria

Group B Spain, Uruguay, Jordan, Zambia

Group C Portugal, New Zealand, Gambia, Mexico

Group D Poland, Brazil, Korea Republic, USA

Group E Argentina, Czech Republic, Korea DPR, Panama

Group F Japan, Scotland, Nigeria, Costa Rica

I live in Burnaby BC Canada (here is the venue link: http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/U20M2007/tourn...007-30,00.html) so i get the pleasure of watching Group B which is highlighted by Spain

Some Players to watch at this years tournament (info from : http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,U...&year=2007)

Canada David Edgar: At a towering 6 foot 4 inches, David Edgar is always going to stand out on a football pitch. Throw into the mix a deft touch on the ball, a nose for the occasional crunching tackle and an eye for goal, and the 19-year-old Ontario native begins to look like the complete package. Coming up through the academy system at Newcastle - where his father Eddie also played - the 2006/7 campaign marked a turning point for young David. After making his first-team debut for the Magpies early on against Bolton, he went on to score a stunning long-range goal against Manchester United on 1 January to help earn his side a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Having lined up for Canada two years ago at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and at UAE 2003, Edgar - who is now also earning calls up for the senior Canuck side - will have the experience necessary to lead the North Americans into battle on home soil.

Chile Alexis Sanchez: In the eyes of most Chilean fans, Alexis Sanchez is one of the most promising players to emerge in recent years. A product of the Cobreloa youth academy, this technically adroit midfielder with a keen eye for goal currently lines up for Chilean outfit Colo Colo, where he is on loan from Italian side Udinese. Born on 19 December 1988, Alexis is no stranger to international duty, the teenager having played at every level from U-16 to the seniors, with whom he has already won four caps. In addition to Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, a genuine utility man who can switch easily between midfield and defence, is also a player to watch. The 19-year-old, who also plays his football for Colo Colo, was the second highest goalscorer in January Sudamericano with six strikes.

Congo Fabrice Nguessi Ondama: Fabrice Nguessi Ondama was named the best player of the African youth championship in Congo in January and February. His two goals in the opening game set Congo on their way and attested to the prowess he had shown in the Congolese championship the previous year in the colours of La Mancha. Ondama is now on the brink of a call-up to the full national side where Congo are hopeful of winning a place at the 2008 African Nations Cup finals in Ghana.

Austria Erwin Hoffer: Erwin Hoffer is widely held to be one of the most talented and potent strikers in the country. The 19-year-old, who switched to Rapid Vienna from Admira Wacker in 2006, scored four goals in three group matches in Poland, only to miss the semi-final against Spain after collecting two yellow cards. Most observers expect him to step up to the U-21 national side very soon. A pacy and hard-tackling winger, nicknamed 'Jimmy' after a junior coach once compared him to sound-alike US Teamsters Union boss Jimmy Hoffa, hails from a large family and has been a passionate football fan from a very young age.

Spain Though it is difficult to single out individuals in a side that has so much talent throughout its lines, midfielder Juan Manuel Mata and striker Alberto Bueno have emerged as key figures by virtue of their ability to unlock the tightest of defences. The pair, both on the books at Real Madrid, have struck up a perfect understanding and are difficult to contain in and around the area. Unselfish passers of the ball, both can be decisive finishers when opportunity knocks, as they have shown on numerous occasions with the national team.

Brazil Alexandre Rodrigues Da Silva: Alexandre Rodrigues Da Silva, better known as Alexandre Pato, is already making serious waves on the world football scene. A product of the Internacional de Porto Alegre youth set-up, this instinctive forward is skilful, intelligent and good in the air, as he demonstrated to great effect in Paraguay. Born on 2 September 1989, Pato found the net five times at the Sudamericano, including two headers, as the Seleção booked their ticket to Canada 2007. These performances went some way to underlining the level of expectation surrounding a young man who, at just 17 years of age, played an integral role in FIFA Club World Cup success in December 2006. Mention should also be made of the vital contribution performed by Lucas in the midfield engine room. Born on 9 January 1987, the captain of Brazils U-20 side showed remarkable maturity in leading his team-mates to victory on Paraguayan soil, mirroring his sparkling performances for another Porto Alegre side, Gremio.

USA Freddy Adu: At just 17 years of age, Freddy Adu is already a seasoned veteran. After going pro at the age of 14, the Ghanaian-born phenom has become the youngest ever player to line up for the senior US national team and has taken part in no fewer than three world championships (two at U-20 level and one at U-17). With bags of pace, distribution skills to rival some of the world best and a nose for goal, Adu who recently transferred from DC United to Real Salt Lake after trials at Manchester United will carry the heavy hopes of US Soccer fans and team-mates alike on his shoulders. One of the biggest names at these finals, Captain America will be one to watch.

Argentina Deprived of the services of Messi, Sergio Aguero, Mauro Zarate, Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain, the experienced coach was forced to take a number of much lower-profile youngsters to the qualifying event on Paraguayan soil. In fiercely hot conditions, Tocallis hard-working charges eschewed individual glory for the good of the group, which makes singling out one player very difficult.

That said, emerging ever so slightly ahead of his team-mates was Boca Juniors midfielder Ever Banega. Born on 29 June 1988, Banega joined the Buenos Aires giants from Rosario in 2005, and is the man responsible for organising play in the centre of the park. Skilful, elegant and intelligent, comparisons are already being drawn with former Xeneizes idol Fernando Gago, now at Real Madrid. wo years ago I was playing for my neighbourhood team, and now Im at a first-division club and in the Argentina youth side. Everything happened really fast he told FIFA.com. Canada 2007 could prove to be the next big step in the burgeoning career of this promising youngster.

Czech Republic Marek Strestik: Marek Strestik more than proved his worth at the UEFA European U-19 Championship, where he shouldered the creative duties in an essentially defensive team. Brimming with talent, he is an attacking midfielder from the old school, involved in every move going forward. He possesses a goal-scoring touch of his own too, as he showed with three strikes during his side's three group games in Poland. His proficiency in dead-ball situations is sure to strike fear into the opposition.

Scotland One a six-strong Celtic contingent in Scotland European Championship squad, centre-half Scott Cuthbert was awarded the captains armband for the tournament despite never having played a competitive game for his club at senior level. He has been my captain for two years and has been nothing short of incredible," was the justification offered by Gemmill, and Cuthbert more than repaid his coachs faith with a series of commanding and decisive defensive performances that saw him voted one of the tournament’s top ten players. Though not as tall as his central defensive partner, Gary Kenneth, Cuthbert is strong in the air, quick and aggressive on the ground, and plays with the kind of composure and leadership skills that bode well for his future with both club and country.

Nigeria Flying Eagles striker Emmanuel Sarki could well prove to be the ace up Godwin Koko Uwua sleeve. Blessed with a sharp eye for goal, Sarki notable technical ability has already drawn comparisons with former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona forward Emmanuel Amunike, who starred for the Super Eagles at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA. On the scoresheet twice at Congo 2007, Sarki will be his sides main attacking weapon on Canadian soil.

Mexico Giovani dos Santos is the latest star product to roll off the seemingly endless Barcelona youth conveyor belt. Down at the Camp Nou the young Mexican is widely regarded as the heir to Ronaldinho, with whom he shares both physical and footballing similarities. The Brazilian magician, an unconditional admirer of dos Santos, has been unstinting in his praise of the outrageously gifted Mexican.

I'm looking forward to this tournament, with so many great youngsters taking part the future looks bright for football.

[Ric Flair]

I dont remember seeing it advertised here or if Sky or anyone else are broadcasting it but having watched some of the youth footy down the years, its always quality viewing to see both the wrecklessness and lack of fear from the kids. I hear Brazil have another superkid in Kerlon who may be eligable, I`d watch out for him if so.

Let us know of the future stars mate so we can tell MM!

Unreal player, he's the one who does that seal trick. Where he balances the ball on his head and runs with it, almost impossible for the opposition to tackle him without fouling him.

[potter3]

It's amazing how many of those players a really good on Footbal manager Is Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado and Omar Esparza playing too?

[Geo V]

It's amazing how many of those players a really good on Footbal manager Is Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado and Omar Esparza playing too?

Its bloody strange that players who we havent heard of that end up being good on FM actually make it. I am still playing the 06/07 one without updates and Marcelo who is at a bRazilian club is now at Madrid as is Higuan. Loads seem to end up being quality and we should have the bloke who sorts out the ratings of the players on FM as our scout !!

BTW, Ive heard laods about Giovani dos Santos who Barca think will be better than Messi for christ`s sake!!