Women's World Cup U-17 Finale! 4/5/2014.

The honors went to Japan in their bout with Spain. A master-class performance, the Asians dominated the opportunities tally though Spain had the most of possession with 53%. However, it was the Japanese who found goal, striking in the 5th and 78th minutes through Meika Nishida and Fuka Kono respectively. The Japanese ladies played in the same way they had throughout the tournament, a fair game with limited call for cards and a style of play that was comparable to senior side performances. The Spanish for their part brought their flair and creativity, though it was for naught as Japan's goalkeeper Mamiko Matsumoto and her defenders kept the Spaniards at bay. As for the match for third place, it was as explosive as one might have imagined. Italy and Venezuela threw the shackles of performance behind them, both sides went for glory in a game that was as tense as it was a goals-fest. While the Italians' first goal was unanswered for the longest time, the Latin Americans eventually made a game of things. Valentina Bergamaschi opened the account in the 16th minute with Venezuela's Tahicelis Marcano equalizing in the second minute of stoppage time of the first half. Manuela Giugliano struck in the 55th and 61st minutes, on either side of Gabriela Garcia's 60th minute goal. With the match posed 2-3, Venezuela's Gabriela Garcia struck a second in the 68th minute to tie things up as the last twenty minutes counted down. Flaminia Simonetti put the Europeans back in front with a strike in the 79th minute leaving Sandra Luzardo to draw the Latin Americans level in the fifth minute of stoppage time of the second half. Tied up as the two sides were, there was no way that they would be separated besides on penalties with the Italians' keeper Francesca Durante finally showing the form that she had displayed in the earlier part of the competition. With their goalkeeper on point, the Italians proceeded to win the penalty shoot-out 0-2. Congratulations to all the teams that participated and thank you to Costa Rica for a phenomenal U-17 World Cup!

U-17 World Cup: Costa Rica: 3/24/2014

This one is for the ladies, that is those amazing women who are participating in the U-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica. The group stage has run its course and the excitement will continue tomorrow! Let's start with Group A where the hosts had a dismal three and out performance and Zambia's time in the tournament was only slightly better: a 2-1 victory over the Costa Ricans in the last match the two sides would play in the competition. As for the sides who actually progress into the next round, Venezuela took pole position with three wins and no goals conceded. They also scored 8 goals of their own. Italy meanwhile grabbed second with two wins and a loss to the Venezuelans. On to Group B now where Ghana had a turbulent run to the top of the group as Canada edged North Korea to second position with one victory and two defeats. The Koreans had one of each: a victory, a draw, and a loss. Last of all, and somewhat surprisingly, came the Germans with just a point to their name after striking twice against the Canadians in their group opener and losing the remaining two matches. Hopefully the World Cup in Brazil turns out better for them! In contrast to Group B, Group C was a runaway success for two teams: Japan and Spain who seized first and second places respectively with a total of 25 goals combined. The fortunes were reversed for New Zealand and Paraguay who were only separated by goal difference after drawing 1-1 in the group opener before losing their other two matches. Last but not least, Group D was a straightforward affair: Nigeria were undefeated in three matches while Mexico succumbed in their last game of the group to the Africans. China took third with a solitary win over Colombia, who finished bottom of the barrel with 0 points and a negative goal difference.

Moving into the knock-out stage of the World Cup, the Quarter Finals pose Venezuela against Canada, Japan versus Mexico, Ghana take on Italy, and the Nigerians face the Spanish. So long as the Venezuelans can continue their free-firing nature and hold it together in the back, the Canadians will be hard-pressed to advance to the Semi Finals. Having said that, the North Americans have a fierce defense and proved their attacking discipline in qualifying so expect an explosive encounter. As for the encounter between Asia and South America, that of Japan and Mexico, I anticipate that the Japanese will hope to wrap things up before penalties - their record in that facet of the tournament has not been stellar while the South Americans performed admirably in their qualifying penalty shoot-out showdowns. Both sides are defensively strong, though I would pick the Japanese to break the deadlock. Ghana meanwhile will not be looking forward to facing Italy in the next round. Both teams have tenacious defenses and much will depend on whether the Africans' Jane Ayieyam and Ernestina Abambila can get through the likes of Italy's goalkeeper Francesca Durante and defenders like Lisa Boattin. It won't be easy but I would love to see the Ghanaians do it. And then we have Nigeria-Spain. Africa's other representatives, Nigeria were a surprise package when they arrived in Costa Rica this year having not played a single competitive qualifying game leading up to the tournament. They proceeded to usurp Mexico and deal with China and Colombia to make it this far. Seeing how the Germans fell so abruptly in the group stage, the precedent has certainly been made for the Spaniards to join their German counterparts. I don't see it happening though: Spain has too much in every position and a bench to supplement any injuries or suspensions. Nigeria won't roll over, but Spain will see it through. Enjoy the matches!

Women's U-17 European Championships and the Passing of Nelson Mandela. 12/5/2013

Excitement and somber memorial. That is what today may be described as in a few words. In the European Championships Semi-Final round, Italy faced Germany as hosts England took on Spain. In the first match, the Germans booked their place in the Final with a 0-1 victory over the Italians. The solitary goal was courtesy of Ricarda Walkling in the 15th minute after a stunning performance by the Germans which saw them largely dominate proceedings. Elsewhere, Spain gave their hosts no quarter in a 3 goal thriller that saw Andrea Sanchez perform admirably with goals in the 16th and 79th minutes. Pilar Garrote's 55th minute strike was also clean as the Southern Europeans absolutely dominated the game from start to finish. Expect a good match in the Final, I would tip Spain to win as they seem almost unbeatable at the moment.
Nelson Mandela, the one-time South African President and non-violent opponent of injustice and South African Apartheid as well as the voice of modern human rights passed away today at the age of 95. While a phenomenal example of the good that can manifest itself in the human spirit, Nelson Mandela was also an stunning figure in the world of sports. Utilizing rugby in particular, he united a nation; in 2010, he was arguably the man who inspired South Africa to successfully host the largest sporting tournament in the world - the FIFA World Cup. Words cannot describe the significance of Nelson Mandela in life, and his passing similarly prompts one to speechlessness. He will be missed, and may his memory be eternal.

Under-17 Final: November 9th 2013

Following a tense second half that followed the pattern of the previous post, Nigeria were able to secure their position in the game against Mexico through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 56th minute and Musa Muhammed in the 81st. 3-0 at the death. Was it the best game ever? Well, it was certainly a good one as the Africans became the 4-time winners of the U-17 tournament against, at the time, holders Mexico who were arguably somewhat depleted. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful game to watch and a great tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Hope you all enjoyed it!

Under-17 World Cup Update: November 8th 2013

What a day for football. With the likes of Sweden and Argentina showcasing their talent, we have a lot to look forward to as Valmir Berisha of Sweden single-handedly obliterated the South American opposition. Striking early and often, the game got off to a flying start with a goal in the 7th minute from the Scandinavian. Carlos Strandberg made it 2-0 13 minutes later with a wonderfully worked goal as Berisha popped one in the 24th minute to make it 3 to the good. Just before the half Argentina's Lucio Compagnucci struck to decrease the deficit by one although the second half performance was reminiscent of trench warfare - progress was slow and the deathblow was dealt in the 57th minute. Valmir Berisha, then, has announced himself to the world stage though it should be noted that the Swedes were physically aggressive with over 30 fouls committed and a dearth of possession. The fact that the Argentines had 62% of possession yet failed to score more than once illustrates their lack of depth as several players were unavailable through suspension. The 4-1 scoreline serves to whet the appetite for the Final performance between Nigeria and Mexico. The fact that there was an own goal in the 9th minute - committed by an unfortunate Erick Aguirre - should prompt further goals as neither side will want to fall short at this stage. While the South Americans remain behind into the 40th minute, they have looked the marginally better side despite the own goal. Nigeria are only in this because of their phenomenal goal-keeper Dele Alampasu. Having made save after save, if he doesn't start getting any help from his defenders - or strikers for that matter - Mexico should draw level. Check back later for the result!

Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates!

Fascinating stuff in Al Ain, U.A.E. as a promising Honduras side faced off against Sweden securing an early lead in the 37th minute through Brayan Velasquez. Despite the lead going into the half, the Hondurans had a perplexing game - they managed no corners while conceding 10 to the Swedes as well as being on the losing side possession-wise. Nevertheless, it took until the 68th minute for the Scandinavians to equalize, through Erdal Rakip. 6 minutes later, the northern Europeans made it 1-2 following Valmir Berisha's goal in the 74th minute. What is up next? Well, titans of the U-17 world Brazil and Mexico faced-off in Dubai requiring a penalty shoot-out to divide the two. A flurry of goals late into the second half made for a thrilling finish following a tense opening 45 minutes. Ivan Ochoa - who plays for Pachuca CF in Mexico - gave the Central Americans the lead in the 80th minute. The Mexicans' hold on the lead quickly escaped their grasp as Brazil's Nathan, on the team sheet for Atletico Paranaense in his homeland, struck home following last-ditch defending from Mexico's keeper Raul Gudino who plays with Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico. As regulation time ended, the game was to be decided by penalties. Two saves by Mexico's Gudino and the general ineffectiveness of Brazil's goalie Marcos during the shoot-out culminated in Alejandro Diaz's converted penalty which clenched victory for the Central Americans. Tomorrow, Argentina and Ivory Coast take the field before Uruguay and Nigeria's showdown - both in the city of Sharjah. Make sure to catch what are sure to be fantastic displays of football!