ACTUALITE |
01.07.2005
Youth Championship : Flying Eagles Eye Trophy
The final of the FIFA World Youth Championship tomorrow will be a Latino-African affair.
Nigeria will face Argentina in the final of the 15th edition of the World Youth Championship in Netherlands. It will be a hotly contested encounter judging from the level of the two teams that will be on stage.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s four representatives at the championship, has put on a consistent performance since the start of the competition. In the group phase, the boys of Samson Siasia finished second with four points. The greatest hurdle of the Flying Eagles was at the quarter finals when Nigeria faced hosts Netherlands. The encounter was unique. For the first time in FIFA World Youth Championship history, a goal was scored in the first 60 seconds of each half. Nigeria won after the longest penalty shoot-out ever held in a FIFA competition, 10-9 (level with Paraguay against Uruguay at youth level in 1999). The two countries were tied on 1 — 1 after extra time. In the semi finals the Flying Eagles walked over morocco, 3-0 in Kerkrade. From all indications, the trophy is within their reach. This is the second time that Nigeria is reaching the finals after 1989 where they lost to Joao Pinto`s Portugal They also made one semi-final appearance in 1985 and hosted the 1999 edition.
The performance of the Flying Eagles is not surprising. If they have come this far, it is because the Flying Eaglets possess a close-knit group of players who can create danger from all over the pitch. From Taye Taiwo in the defence line to midfielder, David Solomon and strikers Solomon Okoronkwo and Isaac Promise, the team is blessed with talented youngsters who are ready to move forward. Added to this is the immense home support and the encouragement they receive from the highest office in Nigeria.
The Argentines, are the great favourites. They stand on the threshold of history, having reached four out of the last six finals and if they manage to beat Nigeria tomorrow, they will record their fifth championship success - one more than Brazil. Having won three of the last five FIFA World Youth Championships, it would come as no surprise to see perennial favourites Argentina go the distance again this year in the Netherlands. The Albiceleste will be out to regain the crown they surrendered to arch-rivals Brazil in 2003. No one doubts that Argentina’s current batch of talented youngsters have the requisite confidence and ability.
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