Russia begin against Brazil

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup hosts Russia will open their campaign against Brazil after today's draw in Moscow that pitted holders Germany with fellow European contenders Switzerland.

Russian test
Russia, who will enter the tournament with a squad based on the side that won the 2005 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship in Hungary, are in Group A and will start on 17 August in St. Petersburg against Brazil, who reached the semi-finals of both previous editions of the world tournament, which was a U19 competition in 2002 and 2004. Also in the pool are neighbours New Zealand and Australia, the former representing Oceania and the latter in their first final tournament as Asian contenders.

Swiss meet holders
Germany, who won the title in Thailand two years ago, are in Group C where their final fixture is against Switzerland, who beat England in a fifth-place play-off in Hungary to qualify for this tournament. Those teams have been drawn with Mexico and debutants North Korea. France, 2005 European runners-up to Russia, are in Group D with the United States, Argentina and the team that finishes second in next month's African qualifiers. Finland, making their first appearance on this stage, meet 2004 runners-up China, Canada and the eventual African champions.

European qualifiers
The tournament runs from 17 August until 3 September with games in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Before that the focus switches to the 2006 European Women's U19 Championship in Switzerland, with qualifiers taking place from Tuesday until next Sunday.