BY Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Colour the FIFA U-20 World Cup light blue yet again. An 86th-minute goal Sunday by Mauro Zarate gave Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic and the FIFA U-20 World Cup title for the sixth time. Zarate's low angled shot through traffic from the edge of the penalty box handcuffed goalkeeper Radek Petr, who was beaten to the short side. Sergio Aguero also scored for Argentina in the 62nd minute, cancelling out a goal by Martin Fenin two ...
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BY GREGORY STRONG TORONTO (CP) - Argentina captain Sergio Aguero is leaving the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a load of hardware and a second straight gold medal. The 19-year-old striker got Argentina on the board with his goal in the 62nd minute of Sunday's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at the National Soccer Stadium. Mauro Zarate added the winner late in the second half to give Argentina its sixth title at this event. Aguero was named winner of the Golden Ball award as the tournament's ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Chile leaves the FIFA U-20 World Cup on a good note, placing third for its best-ever finish at the tournament. But whether Chile's 1-0 win over a game Austrian side Sunday will balance off bitter memories of a post-match brawl Thursday with police and security after a semifinal loss to Argentina is another matter. The Chileans celebrated on the field Sunday - one player even shook hands with the referee - but did not stick around that long. Still they took ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Chilean forward Jaime Grondona was suspended by FIFA on Sunday for his conduct in an ill-tempered loss to Argentina in Thursday's semifinal. The ban kept Grondona from playing in Sunday's third-place game against Austria at the National Soccer Stadium. In a release announcing the suspension, FIFA said only Grondona was provisionally banned "as a result of the physical incidents with match officials he was involved in on the pitch during the ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - News that Canada had won the right to host the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup came in a 3:30 a.m. phone call from FIFA headquarters in Zurich after a meeting of its Emergency Committee on Aug. 6, 2004. But there were to be many more sleepless nights before FIFA's second-biggest tournament kicked off in Canada almost three years later. The Canadian Soccer Association had no money to speak off. It was at the mercy of a series of fickle partners, who pulled the rug ...
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By Maria Babbage (CP) - Chilean officials pointed the finger squarely at Toronto police Friday after a bloody post-match brawl between irate players and pepper-spraying police escalated into an international incident. Chile's president denounced police reaction during the melee as "unjustified use of force" and her government is lodging a ...
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By Jennifer Ditchburn (CP) - The Chilean government handed Canada a yellow card Friday, firing off a diplomatic note to complain about the soccer melee involving the country's beloved under-20 soccer team and Toronto police. The dust-up following the FIFA under-20 semifinal between Chile and Argentina on Thursday night was nothing short of an ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Canada won't pay a price for having Thursday night's Chilean soccer brawl happen on its watch as host of the U-20 World Cup, says FIFA president Sepp Blatter. In fact, Blatter said Canada should go ahead with its planned bid to be host for the 2011 women's World Cup. "I think they are right if they ask to ...
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By Paul James (CP) - Some years back, the vagabond yet extremely successful Bora Milutinovic was asked whether he would be interested in coaching Canada. When he answered an emphatic no, he was asked why. His simple answer was Canada is "a mission impossible." While I fundamentally disagree with his assertion, at the same time I ...
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TORONTO (CP) - Forward Sergio Aguero leads six Argentina players on the 27-man short list for the Adidas Golden Ball, awarded to the best player at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The nominees were chosen by FIFA's technical study group. The winner will be decided by a media ballot and is to be announced after Sunday's final between Argentina and the ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Slightly battered and missing a few pieces, Argentina has made it to the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. For Chile, the tournament has turned ugly on and off the field. The defending champions moved within one win of a sixth under-20 title Thursday, defeating a stubborn Chilean side 3-0 in an ill-tempered semifinal that ended with Chile having just nine men on the field, the officiating crew making a run for the tunnel and a major melee with police ...
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By Gregory Strong and Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Anger on the soccer field turned into turmoil off it Thursday night as members of the Chilean under-20 team slugged it out with police and security after a bitter semifinal loss at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. A member of the Chilean delegation was subdued by taser during the brawl, which ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - Czech Republic U-20 head coach Miroslav Soukup called it one of the greatest accomplishments in Czech soccer history. Early goals by Martin Fenin and Tomas Micola were more than enough to propel the Czech Republic to Sunday's championship game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup as they defeated Austria 2-0 in semifinal action on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 28,401. The Czech Republic will meet the victor of Thursday's semifinal game against Chile and Argentina in the ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - And so ended Austria's fairy-tale World Cup appearance. Crippled by the loss of three defenders, Austria's under-20 World Cup team will play for third place after being overwhelmed by the Czech Republic at Wednesday's semifinal in Edmonton, losing 2-0. "We are very depressed right now," said Austrian captain Sebastian ...
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By Niall McKenna EDMONTON (CP) - Just two weeks ago, Miroslav Soukup figured he'd be watching the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at home on television. But the coach of the Czech Republic has done the improbable by getting his team within a game of the championship final. On Wednesday in Edmonton, the Czechs play Austria (7:30 ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Argentina's little man scored a big goal. The defending champion booked itself a spot in the semifinals at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Sunday night after a goal in first-half injury time from diminutive midfielder Maximiliano Moralez lifted the Albicelestes to a 1-0 quarter-final triumph over Mexico. Moralez, who stands just over five-foot-two, was the smallest man on the pitch at Frank Clair Stadium. His shot from the top of the 18-yard box took a deflection off a defender ...
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By BILL BEACON MONTREAL (CP) - A disputed goal that had Nigeria claiming discrimination on soccer's Say No To Racism Day opened the gates for a barrage of extra-time goals by Chile at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. After a scoreless regulation time, substitute Jaime Grondona scored six minutes into extra time and Chile piled on three more goals - two by Mauricio Isla and another by Mathias Vidangossy - in a 4-0 quarter-final route of Nigeria before 46,252 delirious fans at Olympic Stadium on ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - Tomas Peckhart's goal stood as the winner as the Czech Republic beat Spain 4-3 on penalty kicks to advance to the final four of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saturday. Martin Fenin, Marek Suchy and Ondrej Mazuch also scored on their penalty-kick attempts for the Czechs in front of a crowd of 26,801. Marc Valiente hit the cross bar on Spain's third shot and Czech keeper Radek Petr made the save on a shot by Gerard Pique to put the game away. The Czech Republic, having advanced ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Austria is in uncharted territory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and making history every step of the way. The upstart Austrians reached the semifinals Saturday, extending their unbeaten streak to five at the 2007 tournament, with a 2-1 extra-time win over the U.S. on a 105th-minute Erwin (Jimmy) Hoffer goal. "Today our will to win was very strong, " Austria coach Paul Gludovatz said through an interpreter. "With this will, a summer fairy tale for Austrians has ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - It will be a bit of a Cinderella story whoever wins. Two teams that have drifted through the U-20 World Cup soccer tournament largely unnoticed will face each other in the semifinals after thrilling extra time victories Wednesday. In Edmonton, the Czech Republic downed a heart-broken Spanish side in a penalty shoot-out, just ...
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BY CHRIS YZERMAN OTTAWA (CP) - Mexico would like nothing better than to see a new champion crowned at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In a hotly anticipated matchup between two soccer-mad countries Sunday at Frank Clair Stadium, the Mexicans are out to oust Argentina. "It's an illusion, it's going to be big," Mexico forward Christian Bermudez said ...
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NEIL DAVIDSON TORONTO (CP) - Sergio Aguero scored two highlight-reels goal in the second half as defending champion Argentina defeated Poland 3-1 Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Argentina now plays Mexico on Sunday in Ottawa. And from the evidence of Argentina's performance Thursday, Mexico will have their work cut out if they plan to send the South Americans home. With the game tied 1-1, Aguero scored a wonder goal right off the bat to open the ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - Arturo Vidal's goal in the 45th minute was all the offence Chile needed as they easily handled Portugal in a 1-0 victory in round of 16 play at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Thursday night. Chile will now face Nigeria in the quarter-finals on Sunday in Montreal. In front of a boisterous crowd of 24,687, the Chilean squad kept their opponents off the board for a fourth time in this tournament after cruising through the first round with wins over Canada, Congo and a hard fought tie ...
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BILL BEACON MONTREAL (CP) - With Congo safely put away, Mexico now braces for its biggest test yet at the FIFA U-20 World Cup - five-time champion Argentina. Giovanni Dos Santos scored on a penalty and Pablo Berrera and Omar Esparza added late goals to lift Mexico to a 3-0 victory over Congo in the round of 16 on Thursday night. That sets up what could be a spectacular quarter-final against Argentina in Ottawa on Sunday between two of the quickest and most talented teams in the ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - It took a bullet from the man in Nigeria's green and white to stop the surprise run of Zambia's Copper Bullets at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Chukwuma Akabueze fired a rocket from about 25 yards out that beat Zambia 'keeper Jacob Banda in the 57th minute Thursday and lifted Nigeria to a 2-1 victory over Zambia at Frank Clair Stadium. "We said before the match that it was going to be a tough one. We were going for the win and we got it," Nigeria coach Ladan Bosso said of his ...
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By NEIL DAVIDSON TORONTO (CP) - After surviving 120 minutes and a post-match melee with their Uruguayan opponents, the U.S. players lingered on the pitch Wednesday night to savour their 2-1 extra-time win in the FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16. The Americans trailed 1-0 with just three minutes remaining but forced the extra time, where Michael Bradley scored from close range in the 107th minute to seal the comeback and earn the U.S. a quarter-final date with Austria. "It said a lot ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - It was a messy win that saw three penalties and two players sent off and penalty kicks, but all that matters to the Czech Republic players is that they're through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Czech Republic rallied to tie its round-of-16 game with Japan 2-2, then advanced 4-3 on penalty kicks Wednesday. The Czech Republic will play a quarter-final match with Spain on Saturday in Edmonton. Spain advanced with a 4-2 extra-time ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - Spain may be doing more bending than Beckham at Real Madrid but it has yet to break at the world under-20 soccer championships. The resilient Spaniards overcame a 2-0 deficit for the second time in the tournament Wednesday before pulling out a 4-2 extra time victory over perennial powerhouse Brazil. "The reaction of the team after the score was 2-0 was very very important," said Esteban Granero, a second-half substitute who was involved in the play that led to ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - Austrian head coach Paul Gludovatz's strategy of keeping his top threat on the bench for most of Wednesday's match worked wonders. A fresh Erwin (Jimmy) Hoffer came on in the 71st minute only to score the winning goal nine minutes later as Austria held off a hard-charging Gambian side for a 2-1 victory in a round-of-16 match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Hoffer, who scored his second goal of the tournament, was listed as a surprise substitute to start the ...
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By NIALL McKENNA EDMONTON (CP) - It turned out to be a smart substitution, and as a result Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz may leave his star striker on the bench yet again. Sidelined to give teammate Rubin Okotie the limelight as sole striker, Erwin (Jimmy) Hoffer came on to score the decisive goal in Austria's 2-1 victory against Gambia ...
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CHRIS YZERMAN OTTAWA (CP) - More than just the Eagles are expected to be flying Thursday in Canada's capital when Nigeria and Zambia meet in an all-African round-of-16 match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Tackles, and goals, too, could come fast and furious between countries that share a common bond - at least until the referee's whistle blows ...
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By Bill Beacon (CP) - Mexico and Argentina have not only caught the eye of fans watching the FIFA under-20 World Cup, but of Canadian professional soccer players as well. The two Latin American sides will be in action in the round of 16 on Thursday with a chance to face each other in the quarter-finals if they win. Argentina, led by ...
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By Donna Spencer EDMONTON (CP) - No goals and no wins meant no joy for Canada at the FIFA U20 World Cup. The hosts were eliminated from the 24-country soccer tournament with a 2-0 loss to Congo in their final match of Group A on Sunday. Canadian head coach Dale Mitchell had said prior to the tournament that it would be a disappointment if his team failed to get out of the group stage. While getting into the round of 16 would have been cause for celebration for Canada, it was the manner ...
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By Bill Beacon MONTREAL (CP) - Coach Peter Johnson called it "one of the greatest wins for Gambian soccer." And who could argue after the Baby Scorpions got the game-winning goal while down one man and playing before a hostile crowd in a 2-1 victory over Portugal on Sunday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Substitute Abdoulie Mansally scored the game-winner on a free kick in the 68th minute to the dismay of the 28,402 spectators at Olympic Stadium, nearly all in Portuguese red, green ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - There was no rain on this parade. Soaked but cheerful Mexican soccer players left a rainy pitch at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium Sunday sitting first place in their group and into the next round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on a winning streak after beat New Zealand 2-1. Mexico's back-to-back wins against Portugal and Gambia had already secured the team's spot in the round of 16 teams, but that didn't stop the team from dominating play. Mexico had 65 per cent of possession ...
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TORONTO (CP) - A 0-0 tie Sunday against Austria didn't do anything to diminish the confidence of Chilean soccer coach Jose Sulantay. Both teams qualified for the second round of the FIFA U20 World Cup, bit Sulantay believes his squad is very capable of contending for the tournament title. "If we don't lose our rhythm and our confidence we will be OK," he said. "We could be very good in this competition." Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz agreed. "Chile is a very ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - Adrian Lopez has propelled Spain past group play in the world under-20 soccer tournament but says he and his team must get better. Lopez was deadly inside the penalty area Saturday with a first-half hat trick that gave the Spanish an insurmountable lead in a 4-2 victory over stubborn Jordan. "I am happy for the match (result) and I scored three goals but the most important is the victory," said Lopez, whose 71st minute goal started a Spanish comeback draw ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - With their spots in the knockout round already secured, Japan and Nigeria played to a scoreless tie Saturday at FIFA U-20 World Cup. Japan, who secured first place in Group F with the win, benched eight of their starters for the game, while Nigeria benched four in an attempt to rest their players for the round of 16. The result was a sloppy display of soccer between the top two teams in Group F. "Although we were going after the draw, we also had to consider the next ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) -Jonathan McDonald, whose name comes from the Highlands, scored in injury time Saturday to give Costa Rica a 2-1 victory over Scotland at the world under-20 soccer championships. The Central American, who wears his flowing dark hair in a ponytail, sprinted past three defenders to run on to a chip into the penalty area. His shot went past diving goalkeeper Scott Fox and inside the far post. The victory gave Costa Rica third place in Group F but they will need help from ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - Zambian midfielder Clifford Mulenga promised a victory for his country on Uruguayan television, and Saturday he delivered on that guarantee. An egregious error by Uruguayan goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea allowed Mulenga to score on a penalty kick 22 minutes in as Zambia advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time after upsetting Uruguay 2-0 in their final knockout game. Goicoechea botched a clearance, striking the ball right at Zambian forward ...
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By Donna Spencer EDMONTON (CP) - The Canadians are a long shot to advance to the next round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, yet are fortunate they still have a shot at all. The hosts can still get into next week's round of 16 by beating Congo on Sunday and by a lot of goals. But that seems a tall order for a country that has yet to score a goal ...
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By Chris Yzerman OTTAWA (CP) - On an gloomy day in Canada's capital, Brazil u traditional purveyors of the beautiful game u were forced to contemplate an ugly end to their FIFA Under-20 World Cup tournament. "It's very anxious to be waiting, not knowing," star forward Alexandre Pato said Saturday, while Brazil took part in a training ...
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By BILL BEACON MONTREAL (CP) - Poland has booked a date with powerful Argentina in the round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Dawid Janczyk scored and goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski celebrated his 20th birthday with clutch saves, including a game-saver in the final minute of a 1-1 draw Friday night with South Korea. That gave Poland four points and a date with Argentina on July 12 in Toronto, while South Korea, with two points from a pair of draws and a loss, goes home. Poland finished ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - It's not every day the United States beats Brazil on the soccer pitch. It's for that reason coach Thomas Rongen called his side's 2-1 victory Friday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup a "huge" moment for U.S. soccer. "I would be remiss to say it's just another game," Rongen said after Josmer Altidore scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 81st minute before a sold-out crowd of 26,500 at Frank Clair Stadium. "As a developing (soccer) nation, for us to beat Brazil ... it's ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Defending champion Argentina booked its place in the knockout phase at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup on Friday with a 1-0 victory over North Korea. Sergio Aguero scored from a free kick in the 35th minute before a sellout crowd of 26,500 at Frank Clair Stadium and it stood up as the only goal of the match in which the North Koreans put in a spirited effort in their bid to advance to the round of 16. With the victory, Argentina finishes first in Group E with seven points and will ...
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MONTREAL (CP) - The Czech Republic got lucky at just the right time. Two goals in a span of three minutes by Lubos Kalouda and Marek Strestik late in the second half gave the Czech Republic a 2-1 win Friday over Panama and a berth in the round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Nelson Barahona scored Panama's first goal of the tournament in the 84th minute to close the gap to a goal. The game-winner turned out to be Strestik's goal in the 82nd minute, a strange one on a free kick from a ...
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By DONNA SPENCER EDMONTON (CP) - The moment will remain with Canadian striker Simeon Jackson for some time and he wishes it wouldn't. The 20-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., was still shaking his head Friday over a missed opportunity to score Canada's first goal of the FIFA U20 World Cup. In injury time Thursday night. Jackson was alone at the ...
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(CP) - Canada's chances at securing a second-round spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup are now in jeopardy. Still searching for their first tournament goal, Canada lost 1-0 to Austria on Thursday at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The host country was unable to score a goal for the second straight match in the tournament, while the Austrians got the winner from Rubin Okotie to start the second half. Canada has zero points in Group A and needs a win over Congo on Sunday here to get into the ...
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TORONTO (CP) - Mexico coach Jesus Ramirez doesn't think his team has played to its potential at the FIFA U20 World Cup - and for the second straight game, it didn't have to. Giovanni Dos Santos and Pablo Barrera scored second-half goals as Mexico remained unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Portugal on Thursday night. The victory moved Mexico to 2-0-0 in Group C, assuring the Tricolores a spot in the second round. Despite the spotless record, Ramirez believes his team is capable of much ...
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TORONTO (CP) - Ousman Jallow scored midway through the first half as Gambia beat New Zealand 1-0 in Group C action Wednesday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Jallow, the top scorer in the African Youth Championships earlier this year, was the star of the show as Gambia earned its first win of the tournament at the National Soccer Stadium in Toronto. New Zealand (0-2-0) sits at the bottom of the group, still waiting for its first goal of the tournament. Gambia started brightly with the pace of ...
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By CHRIS YZERMAN OTTAWA (CP) - Call it a sticking point at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. While some teams, particularly those from South America, are voicing their displeasure this week at the use of artificial turf, others see it as a fact of life. And FIFA, the sports governing body, says everyone needs to get used to it. "Yeah, I ...
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By BILL BEACON MONTREAL (CP) - Fans aren't packing the bars for games or tooting horns until 3 a.m. after a victory, but Canadians have definitely embraced the FIFA U-20 World Cup at the gates. They are packing stadiums in record numbers to see Canada's top prospects and to see some of the world's best, from Portugal's Bruno Gama to Brazil's ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - First-half goals by Mario Suarez and Juan Matel Mata lifted Spain to a 2-1 victory Wednesday night over Zambia in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. William Njobvu brought Zambia to within a goal in the 74th minute forcing Spain to defend in numbers. The Spanish (1-0-1) are tied with Uruguay for the Group B lead, each with ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - Nigerian captain Ezekiel Bala scored both goals in a deserved 2-0 win over Scotland Wednesday in at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Nigeria (2-0-0) is now tied with Japan atop Group F with six points. The teams play each other in their final group games Saturday. After an early spell of possession, the Scots (0-2-0) rarely ...
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By DONNA SPENCER EDMONTON (CP) - A new city, stadium, turf and opponent could help Canada start fresh at the FIFA U20 World Cup. The Canadians want to distance themselves from a deflating 3-0 loss to Chile to open the tournament Sunday in Toronto. A win against Austria at Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET) might do it. "If we would have stayed in Toronto, everyone would have went on about that game . . . so it's going to help for sure," goalkeeper Asmir Begovic ...
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(CP) - Edinson Cavani's scoring prowess helped Uruguay move one step closer to a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finals. Cavani scored his second goal of the tournament Thursday to lead Uruguay to a 1-0 victory over Jordan, bolstering Uruguay's chances of advancing out of Group B. The Celestes (1-0-1) improved to 3-0 against Asian opponents in this tournament, having defeated Qatar in 1981 and Malaysia in 1997. Cavani, who led all scorers in the South American qualifying tournament ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - Ten years after recording a record-setting rout, Japan did just enough Wednesday to remain perfect at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Atomu Tanaka's goal in the 68th minute led the Japanese to a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group F action. In their only previous meeting at the 1997 U-20 World Cup in Malaysia, Japan trounced Costa Rica 6-2 - the island country's largest margin of victory at any FIFA men's event. The Japanese (2-0-0) happily settled for a one-goal triumph ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - Edinson Cavani scored his second goal of the tournament Thursday to lead Uruguay to a 1-0 victory over Jordan at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The victory bolstered Uruguay's chances of advancing out of Group B as the Celestes improved to 3-0 against Asian debutantes in this tournament, having defeated Qatar in 1981 and Malaysia in 1997. Cavani, who led all scorers in the South American qualifying tournament with six goals in nine games, gave Uruguay (1-0-1) the lead at 40 ...
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By Bill Beacon MONTREAL (CP) - That Freddy Adu has three goals at the FIFA U-20 World Cup doesn't shock anyone, but Danny Szetela? But there the self-described "defensive midfielder" was on Wednesday morning - tied with Adu, his long-time roommate on U.S. national development teams, each with three goals from the squad's first two games of the tournament. "It is a surprise and I think it's a surprise for Danny as well," said U.S. coach Thomas Rongen. "But it's a welcome surprise because ...
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(CP) - Freddie Adu showed Tuesday why he's considered one of the greatest teenage soccer players on the planet. The 18-year-old superstar scored three goals and Polish-American Danny Szetela had two goals as the United States shredded Poland's defence in a 6-1 victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Tuesday night. With the score already tied 1-1 in the 20th minute, Sal Zizzo fed Adu just inside the Polish box. He spun to beat a defender, then made a sliding left-footed shot that went in off ...
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MONTREAL (CP) - After losing the opening match of the tournament on Saturday, Brazilian head coach Nelson Rodrigues said his players would use the loss to become stronger. They did just that. Young phenom Alexandre Pato scored twice and Amaral added another goal as Brazil jumped out to a three-goal lead and survived a furious late rally by South Korea before finally winning 3-2 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Tuesday. Shim Young-Sung and Shin Young-Rok scored for South Korea in the final 10 ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Argentina found its shooting boots Tuesday night and found itself rising to the top of Group E at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. After being held scoreless in its opening match Saturday, the five-time champions roared to life against Panama before a supportive crowd of 23,500 at Frank Clair Stadium. Argentina struck for four goals in a seven-minute span of the first half and went on to add a couple more after the break in a 6-0 thrashing. "It was a good result since we already ...
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By BILL BEACON MONTREAL (CP) - Freddie Adu finally showed why he is considered a future star of world soccer. The 18-year-old from Potomac, Md., scored three goals, one of them a beauty at any level of the sport, and Polish-American midfielder Danny Szetela had two as the United States shredded Poland's defence in a 6-1 victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Tuesday night. With the score already tied 1-1 in the 20th minute, Sal Zizzo fed Adu just inside the Polish box. He spun to beat a ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Kwang Ik Jon converted his own rebound of a missed penalty in the 89th minute Tuesday to lift North Korea to a 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic in Group E action at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Jon was awarded the penalty after he was brought down in the box by Czech midfielder Petr Janda. His initial shot from the spot was stopped by 'keeper Radek Petr, but the rebound fell straight to the North Korean defender and he made no mistake the second time around. The teams provided ...
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By Neil Davidson (CP) - Cristian Nunez doesn't get the press that goes to some of his more heralded teammates on the Canadian under-20 soccer team. But the youngster was one of the few bright spots in Canada's opening 3-0 loss to Chile at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Playing alongside holding midfielder Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault, Nunez did ...
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By David Karp VICTORIA (CP) - They may be 12,000 kilometres from home, but the players on Nigeria's under-20 soccer team still have plenty of fan support at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Decked out in green-and-white striped toques and matching T-shirts, 90 members of the Nigeria Football Supporters' Club followed their men's youth team all the ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Nerves and a surprisingly strong Gambia side made for an anxious start to the FIFA U-20 World Cup for highly touted Mexico on Monday. But the Mexicans settled down and began to impose their will in the second half, finally beating Gambia goalkeeper Joseph Gomez in the 57th minute en route to a 3-0 win over the Baby Scorpions. "We started badly but later on we improved. We improved in our possession of the ball and we played as planned," Mexico coach Jesus ...
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EDMONTON (CP) - Franchel Ibara's goal on a second-half penalty kick earned Congo a 1-1 draw with Austria in Pool A action Monday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The game earned each team a valuable point in the standings, moving them within two points back of Chile, which opened with a 3-0 victory over Canada. The Austrians opened strong, taking the lead in the seventh minute. Austrian striker Sebastian Proedl's header was stopped by Congolese goalkeeper Destin Onka, who directed the ball right ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Portugal wasted little time showing its class at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, dispatching New Zealand 2-0 Monday on a pair of goals by captain Bruno Gama. The Group C contest was largely one-way traffic for the Europeans, who dominated the game but squandered scoring opportunities. The attacking foursome of Gama, Zequinha, Fabio Coentrao and Bruno Pereirinha fluidly switched positions, using their speed and skill on the ball to give the New Zealand defenders ...
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TORONTO (CP) - The ticket count for the FIFA U-20 World Cup has gone past the one-million mark, organizers said Monday. "What we are seeing here is beyond our wildest expectations," FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said in a statement. The number continues to grow. The million mark was reached Sunday. The tournament opened with sellouts in Montreal and Ottawa on Saturday, followed by sellouts in Burnaby, B.C., Victoria and Toronto on Sunday. The Toronto game Monday was also a sellout. ...
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TORONTO (CP) - Chile spoiled the Canada Day celebrations at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Sunday, dominating the home side en route to a 3-0 win. The stylish Chileans controlled throughout, denying Canada a chance to get its game going. The Canadians did a lot of chasing on defence and virtually nothing on offence although the Group A game opened up in the latter stages. The South Americans went ahead in the 25th minute when defender Markus Haber slipped and failed to corral a Chilean pass ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - A goal by Brown Ideye lifted Nigeria to a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ideye, who plays for Nigerian club Ocean Boys, headed the ball past Costa Rican goalie Alfonso Quesada in the 75th minute to the delight of the sold-out crowd at Victoria's Royal Athletic Park. The goal came just three minutes after the crowd, subdued by the lack of goals, was awakened when a streaker ran on the field. The naked man ran from one corner of the pitch to the other ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - Diego Capel scored in extra time Sunday to give Spain a comeback 2-2 tie with Uruguay at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Capel, who had been making dangerous runs down the right flank all afternoon, lofted a shot that caught Uruguayan goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea off his line. Adrian Lopez started the comeback with a goal in the 71st minute when he beat Goicoechea by heading in Antonio Barragan's chip into the penalty area. Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez scored nine minutes ...
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BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - Zambia wasted an early penalty goal by Fwayo Tembo and settled for a 1-1 draw with Jordan in Group B play Sunday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Zambians were in control after going up a goal and seeing a Jordan player sent off eight minutes into the game. But Abdallah Salim made the most of a rare first-half foray into the Zambian side of centre to tie the game in the 41st minute. Both sides finished the first half tied 1-1 and down a player after ejections by U.S. ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - A costly error by Scotland's goalkeeper helped Japan earn a 3-1 win in Group F action at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Yasuhito Morishima opened the scoring in front of a sellout crowd of 11,400 at Victoria's Royal Athletic Park in the 43rd minute. Scottish goalkeeper Andrew McNeil came out to clear a long ball from Japanese defender Tomoaki Makino, but the he kicked the ball right at Morishima. The Japanese striker quickly chased the ball down and tapped it into an empty ...
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MONTREAL (CP) - All the pre-game hype surrounded Brazilian teenager Alexandre Pato, but it was Poland that ended up showing off a young star of its own. Grzegorz Krychowiak scored in the first half Saturday as Poland shocked heavily favoured Brazil in the opening match of the world under-20 soccer championship. The 17-year-old defender scored ...
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MONTREAL (CP) - United States head coach Thomas Rongen knows his team got away with one it probably didn't deserve. The U.S. survived its first match against South Korea in the world under-20 soccer championship, playing to a 1-1 draw Saturday on the strength of goaltender Chris Seitz. "That may have been a fortunate draw against a strong Korean team that outplayed us, I have to say it," Rongen said. "It's a big point." Midfielder Danny Szetela scored on an athletic header for the U.S. ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - North Korea and Panama played to 0-0 draw Saturday in the opening game of Group E at Ottawa's Frank Clair Stadium. North Korea was making its first appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup while Panama, was appearing for the third time, but was still looking to pick up its first points. The teams had to be content with settling for ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Argentina had plenty of support Saturday at the FIFA under-20 World Cup. Goals were much tougher to come by. In a clash between the teams expected to advance from Group E, five-time champion Argentina was held to a 0-0 draw by the Czech Republic in the nightcap of doubleheader at Frank Clair Stadium. Despite having plenty of opportunities and playing before a heavily pro-Argentina crowd at the sold-out venue, Argentina, who'd earlier watched North Korea and Panama play to a ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - For Canada to advance at the world under-20 soccer championship, the team will need Asmir Begovic to stand tall in goal. That shouldn't be a problem for the six-foot-five 'keeper, according to Canadian teammate Will Johnson. "He's the best young goalkeeper I've ever seen," said Johnson, an attacking ...
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By Chris Yzerman OTTAWA (CP) - Argentina proved to be a somewhat elusive bunch in the week leading up to its opening group game at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Upon its arrival in Canada's capital Monday, the team breezed through a reception set up by the country's embassy. An appearance at a suburban school the following day was called off and the team has since been a no-show at just about half of its scheduled training sessions. Argentina would fare well to remain as tough to pin down ...
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By ARPON BASU MONTREAL (CP) - The Brazilian soccer factory has churned out another prodigy. Alexandre Pato will be the brightest star on a team full of them when Brazil begins its quest for a fifth world under-20 soccer title against Poland at Olympic Stadium on Saturday. Pato's full name is Alexandre Rodrigues Da Silva, but he is better known as Alexandre Pato after his birthplace Pato Branco, which means White Duck. Despite being the youngest player on the Brazilian team - he turns ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Organizers say the ticket count for the world under-20 soccer championship is up to 940,000 - with a million-plus in their sights. The 24-country, 52-match competition opens Saturday with six venues staging games en route to the July 22 final in Toronto. "We are extremely, extremely pleased with the ...
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TORONTO (CP) - Canadian Will Johnson has come a long way since the last world under-20 soccer championship. "A lot of good things have happened, that's for sure," said the 20-year-old attacking midfielder. Formerly the property of the Chicago Fire, Johnson is now under contract to Heerenveen in the Netherlands. And he is a key returning veteran of Canada's team at the world under-20 soccer championship that runs Saturday through July 22 in six Canadian cities. "It's been amazing. I love ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Toronto FC kicked off the festivities earlier this year, proving pro soccer can put on a show in Canada - and attract a crowd. Now organizers of the world under-20 championship hope the FIFA tournament can serve as soccer's coming out party across Canada. The 24-country, 52-match competition - with the ...
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By Dean Bennett EDMONTON (CP) - Canada's Jaime Peters lit up the pitch Monday before rain and lightning brought a premature end to a 0-0 friendly between the national under-20 men's soccer team and the Czech Republic. The 20-year-old midfielder from Pickering, Ont., managed to beat his defender three times down the right side in the first ...
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Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - Toronto FC kicked off the festivities earlier this year, proving pro soccer can put on a show in Canada - and attract a crowd. Now organizers of the world under-20 championship hope the FIFA tournament can serve as soccer's coming out party across Canada. The 24-country, 52-match competition - with the somewhat ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Tosaint Ricketts scored three goals as Canada's men's under-20 team defeated their American counterparts 4-0 on Wednesday night in preparation for this summer's FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament. The victory helped Canada split their two-match series with the U.S. after a 4-1 loss on Sunday in Ottawa. ``It was good what happened ...
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OTTAWA (CP) - Coach Dale Mitchell fielded an experimental lineup Sunday for Canada's men's under-20 friendly against the United States. Given the result, a 4-1 defeat, there's still some tinkering to be done before the Canadians open the FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament. ``Where we're at right now, it's about looking at players for us,'' ...
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By Neil Davidson TORONTO (CP) - With Canada opening against Chile at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 on July 1, coach Dale Mitchell wanted to give his young team a taste of South American soccer. And what an appetizer. The Canadians play defending world under-20 champion Argentina on Friday at BMO Field. The Argentines have an amazing ...
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VICTORIA (CP) - Ross Campbell scored twice, including the winning goal in the 78th minute, as Scotland downed Canada 2-1 Tuesday in a men's under-20 exhibition soccer match. Ross's goal spoiled a comeback bid from the Canadians. Shane Lammie tied the game for Canada in the 72nd minute with a header off a corner kick. Canada was coming off an ...
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By Ron Sudlow COQUITLAM, B.C. (CP) - The goals were easy tap-ins for Tosaint Ricketts, but he was willing to do the work to make them happen. Ricketts was a perpetual motion machine for Canada with his threatening runs to the Scotland goalmouth and they paid off twice Saturday in a 3-1 Canada win in a friendly between two sides headed for ...
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By Ron Sudlow VANCOUVER (CP) - Canadian under-20 Dale Mitchell has come to terms with the limited availability of some of his players. Unlike most countries, Canada's elite young soccer players are widely scattered among clubs in Europe and university programs in North America. ``It's a catch-22,'' Mitchell said Friday in an interview ...
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