U-20 World Cup in Colombia! Just a peek.

Let's start at the beginning, as that is normally the best place to start, in Group A. Hosts Colombia will be facing France, Mali, and South Korea in this group. Based on history, I'd just like to look at the teams. It has been about 8 years since Colombia were last able to place, and that was 3rd in 2003. That was the first and last time. France meanwhile haven't even been that successful. Mali meanwhile are in the same boat, only making 3rd, but that was in 1999. Last but not least, South Korea have made 4th, but for that you have to go back all the way to 1983! So what about the last U-20 World Cup? Well, Colombia didn't make it to Egypt in 2009. And France? Well, they didn't make it either. Mali too. South Korea however, were there. And they did very well for themselves, making it to the Quarter-finals. On to Group B! Here we have 2-time winning Portugal, Uruguay, Cameroon, and New Zealand. The Portuguese U-20's won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1991 and made it to 3rd place in 1995. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to qualify in 2009. But they are back and it may be that they are seeking revenge for their disappointment in not making it to Egypt in 2009. Uruguay meanwhile have been runners-up once (1997), 3rd-place finishers once (1979), and twice have they been 4th-place finishers (1977 and '99). In 2009, Uruguay made it to the Round of 16 before being eliminated. The African delegation in Group B, Cameroon, have not been all that successful in U-20 action since their first appearance in Australia in 1981. 2009 wasn't all that good for them either, winning only 1 game while losing to the U.S. and Germany quite convincingly. They lost to Argentina in the Quarter-finals in Qatar in 1995 and that's about the best the Cameroonians have been able to manage. In qualifying for Colombia 2011 though, they were very convincing being beaten only by Nigeria in the Final. Last but not least, we have New Zealand who have only qualified for 1 World Cup tournament, 4 years ago in that beautiful nation north of America: Canada. While they earned no points, they did give themselves a good name, fighting it out with powerful and talented sides such as Portugal, Mexico, as well as Gambia. We will have to see how they do in the coming days. In Group C we have the former standard bearer of Oceania and now formidable Asian contender Australia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain. Australia have finished 4th twice, in 1991 and '93 and, less impressively, they were knocked out in the 1st round of the Egyptian U-20 World Cup 2 years ago. And how about the Costa Ricans? They did quite well for themselves at the last World Cup, fighting their way to 4th place but in Colombia they will begin with a tough match against Spain. However, they've defeated Ecuador before and a match with Australia will be a challenge but let the best team win! Speaking of Ecuador, the last time they were at a U-20 World Cup was 10 years ago (has it really been that long since 2001?) in Argentina. That time however, they made it all the way to the Round of 16 before being beaten by a Michael Essien fueled Ghana. The Ecuadorians have had an up-take of fortunes of late including striking gold in 2007 in the Pan American Games, we'll have to see if all that promise pays off! Last but not least we have the highly-talented, much-lauded Spanish side. Their counterparts in both the senior men's and women's sides have taken the highest honors in Europe and the World. Surely the Spaniards of the U-20 side have the same goal in mind for this World Cup. Why not? Spain were victorious in Nigeria 1999, runners-up in 1985 and 2003, and came in 4th place in 1995: they have the pedigree. Let's see if they can extend their European performances to the World stage. Halfway done now! Group D awaits. Here we have Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Guatemala. Of these sides, Nigeria probably have the largest trophy cabinet, but that isn't really saying much. Croatia have only appeared at 1 U-20 World Cup, at Nigeria 1999 when they reached the Round of 16, falling to the powerful Brazilians. Saudi Arabia's history is somewhat less impressive: representing Asia 5 times at U-20 World Cups, the Saudi Arabians have never progressed beyond the group stage. They have, however, an imposing Asian track record which consists of 2 U-19 AFC Championship titles. Now then, Nigeria. They've been stumped at the final hurdle twice, in 1989 and 2005 while taking 3rd place in 1985. They are probably the best African side, though they have never won a U-20 World Cup title. Last but not least is Guatemala: this is their 1st U-20 World Cup expedition. Though they have finished runners-up twice in CONCACAF U-20 competitions, they will probably just try to not get beaten too badly on the world stage. Of Group E there is a lot to be excited about: Brazil, the hosts of the previous U-20 World Cup edition Egypt, Austria, and Panama. Brazil are just behind Argentina in number of titles won with 4 (winning in 1983, again in 1985, 1993, and 2003.) They've also finished runners-up 3 times, in 1991, 1995, and last World Cup. They have also finished in 3rd 3 times: in 1977, 1989, and 2005. Egypt finished 3rd in 2001 but that has been their high point, even when they hosted the World Cup, they only made it to the Knockout Stage. Austria meanwhile have finished in 4th once, but that has been about the best of their performances. Panama are probably the most unaccomplished of this Group, but they have so much potential! Though making it to 3 U-20 World Cups, the Panamanians have never been able to win a match. That said, they have regularly been at the youth competitions of both the Americas and the World (this makes 4 out of the last 5 attempts at the U-20 level alone.) To wrap this up, we have Group F. F has the potential of deciding who will be the Champion. I say this only because the Group is composed of Argentina, Mexico, England, and North Korea. Argentina have won the U-20 World Cup a record 6 times making 2nd only once, in 1983. 4th place was held by the Argentines in 2003. Mexico meanwhile were 2nd in 1977 though they did not qualify for Egypt 2009. England are along the same lines as the Mexicans, collecting 3rd-place in 1993 and 4th in 1981. In 2009 however, they left with just a draw against Uzbekistan to their name. As for North Korea? Though they are giants in Asia, winning the AFC U-19 Championship twice and making several other good showings, they have only appeared at the Canada 2007 U-20 World Cup before this. They almost pulled off quite an upset there, though they were ousted after a hard-fought defeat to Argentina. They won their 3rd Asian title this year on the way to this World Cup. Best of luck to all of the sides and look for more updates. I promise though, they'll be shorter than this one!