Youth Championship set for kick-off
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
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The FIFA World Youth Championship finally gets under way on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates.
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Impending conflict
The original dates for the tournament were hastily revised due to the impending conflict in the Gulf, but now the world's top 24 teams at Under-20 level are set to compete for the most sought-after prize in youth football.
Well represented
Europe are well represented in the UAE with the six nations from the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship all taking part - one in each of the first-round groups. However, Brazil and Argentina, the most successful countries in the tournament's history with three and four wins apiece, are also present and expected to be as strong as ever.
Good European record
The UEFA nations have a good record in the competition, with the trophy going to Europe on six out of 13 occasions - most recently in 1999 when Spain beat Japan in the final. The Iberians remain many people's European tip for the trophy, but England, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Germany and Slovakia will also be keen to make their mark.
