Seven stars of Fifa U-17 world cup

1. Neymar, rising star at the Fifa U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, scores the goal of the tournament in the opening match against Japan:

The Brazilian national team forward starred in the U-17 side that represented his country at Nigeria 2009 and scored their second goal in the 67 minutes against Japan at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Lagos on October 24.

Brazil defeated Japan 3-2 and then drew against Mexico, but lost to Switzerland 1-0 at the Abuja National Stadium in Group B and failed to advance past the group stages. Nevertheless, Neymar shined and went on to set world football alight with his trademark Brazilian skill.

2. Mexico become the first host team to win the Fifa U-17 World Cup title on home soil:

Mexico lifted the Winner’s Trophy for the second time since 2005 when they hosted the last edition of the tournament in 2011. In doing so they became the first team to be crowned world U-17 champion as host nation, defeating Uruguay 2–0 in front of a packed stadium of nearly 100,000 fans.

3. Cesc Fabregas leads Spain to the finals at the Fifa U-17 World Championship Finland 2003:

The Spaniard’s career kicked off when he made his debut onto the global stage with an inspirational display at the Fifa U-17 World Championship Finland 2003. Fabregas finished the tournament as top scorer having scored five goals, and was voted the tournament's best player.

4. 1997 Fifa U-17 World Championship’s rising star Ronaldinho arrives on the world stage:

Ronaldinho first showed the world his potential when he played a key role in Brazil’s first Fifa U-17 World Championship win in 1997.

The young Brazilian’s first goal of the tournament was a penalty against Austria in the first group match, which Brazil eventually won a by a staggering margin of 7–0. Ronaldinho finished the Championship with two goals and went on to win the senior level Fifa World Cup with Brazil in 2002.

5. Argentina’s rising star Verón makes his debut in 1991, to take Argentina to third place for the first time at the Fifa U-17 World Cup tournament:

Voted by Fifa one of the greatest living footballers, Juan Verón was spotted as Argentina’s rising star at the 1991 Fifa U-17 World Championship in Italy – the first edition of the tournament with the age limit raised from U-16 to U-17.

6. The first Arab nation to have taken home the Winner’s Trophy at the Fifa U-16 World Championship Scotland in 1989:

At the second edition of the Fifa tournament, Saudi Arabia's solid organisation, excellent discipline and clear game plan proved decisive as they lifted the U-16 world crown for the very first time. To go undefeated throughout the competition and dispose of the hosts in the final spoke volumes for the Saudi team spirit.

7. Spain score the most goals ever in a Fifa U-17 World Cup match – Egypt 1997:

The most goal-laden match ever to take place in the Fifa U-17 World Cup was held in Ismailia (Egypt) in 1997, with Spain inflicting maximum damage by crushing New Zealand 13-0. However, other than sealing the Golden Shoe for David, the shower of goals reaped a meagre harvest: Spain were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual runners-up Ghana.



 

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