FIFA.com - FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 - News

An Atletico reunion in Kaduna

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:47:00 GMT

Friendship will be tested when Uruguay's Sebastian Gallegos and Spain pair Borja and Koke, best of pals with Atletico Madrid's reserves, lock horns.

Eaglets expect in Korea test

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:26:00 GMT

Nigeria will be firm favourites in their quarter-final clash against the talented Koreas in Calabar, but they are unlikely to have things all their own way.

Beretta explodes onto the scene

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Giacomo Beretta is finally on the scoresheet at Nigeria 2009, making Italy an altogether more dangerous prospect. FIFA.com finds out why.

Familiar foes meet in Ijebu-Ode

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Opponents in the UEFA U-17 Championship, Switzerland and Italy will meet again this Sunday, this time for a semi-final place at Nigeria 2009.

Ercan's dream coming true

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:37:00 GMT

Turkey as world champions? If his U-17 charges do manage to go all the way, coach Abdullah Ercan will be able to call himself a true visionary.

Different tactics, same goal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:28:00 GMT

Colombia and Turkey, two teams with nerves of steel, meet in Bauchi on Sunday with a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on the line.

Mixed emotions as Kiwis exit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:19:00 GMT

After a tournament of mixed emotions here on Nigerian soil, the New Zealand captain Gordon Murie shared his thoughts with FIFA.com.

The world in their hands

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with 11-year-olds Leonard and Hannatu, two youngsters who carry the giant team flags on the pitch at Nigeria 2009.

Kano, a football hotbed

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

The populous capital of northern Nigeria has bid a fond farewell to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after two weeks of fun and high emotion.

Late heartbreak for Albiceleste

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Argentina's dramatic round-of-16 elimination to rivals Colombia left coach Jose Luis Brown in rueful mood, but determined to bounce back.

And then there were eight

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:19:00 GMT

Spain, Nigeria, Korea Republic and Uruguay made the last eight as a dramatic day ended in misery for Burkina Faso, New Zealand, Mexico and Iran.

Gritty Uruguay grind through

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Sebastian Gallegos scored twice in extra-time as Uruguay beat Iran 2-1 to move on to the quarter-finals, where they will meet mighty Spain.

Five-star Eaglets take wing

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Hosts and holders Nigeria demolished New Zealand 5-0 in Abuja to move on to the last eight, where they will meet the lively Korea Republic.

Koreans book last-eight date

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:45:00 GMT

Korea Republic kept their cool to edge Mexico 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out in Bauchi, moving on to the quarter-finals after normal time ended 1-1.

Spain stroll into quarters

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:51:00 GMT

A hat-trick from Sergi Roberto and a penalty from Adria Carmona sent Spain into the last eight of Nigeria 2009 after they defeated Burkina Faso 4-1.

Enugu bids fond farewell

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:27:00 GMT

The games may have finished in Enugu, but after playing host to nations from across the globe, the joy of the locals is undiminished.

Giants continue to tumble

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Argentina and Germany crashed out on the first day of knockout action, as Colombia, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy marched into the quarter-finals.

Swiss send Germany packing

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:38:00 GMT

High-flying Switzerland beat Germany in a 4-3 extra-time thriller in Lagos to put themselves into the last-eight, where they will meet Italy.

Turkey grind past UAE

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:16:00 GMT

A ten-man Turkey were made to work hard to finally wrestle past United Arab Emirates 2-0 and earn a berth in the quarter-finals at Nigeria 2009.

Colombia break Argentine hearts

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Colombia shocked favourites and regional rivals Argentina in Ijebu-Ode to book passage to the quarter-finals, where they will take on Turkey.

Azzurrini edge USA for last eight

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:54:00 GMT

Italy scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over USA in Kaduna to move into the quarter-finals as the Azzurrini close on their best showing since 1987.

Tight test for Kano farewell

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:29:00 GMT

The tournament’s last match in Kano sees Spain take on Burkina Faso, with two powerful attacking sides fighting for a place in the last eight.

Spain's professor of football

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:17:00 GMT

Spain U-17 coach Gines Melendez has nurtured some of the country's brightest stars in recent years and he is busy working his magic again.

Goudarzi, the Iran curtain

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:16:00 GMT

Captain and centre-back Ali Goudarzi tells FIFA.com the secrets behind Iran's unblemished defensive record at Nigeria 2009.

Iran rearguard face Celeste test

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT

Uruguay travel to Calabar on Thursday put Iran's unblemished defence to the test in their FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 round of 16 clash.

Sani, from bench to bona fide

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 GMT

Having been set for a supporting role ahead of Nigeria 2009, the Super Eaglets' Sani Emmanuel has ridden his luck and seized his chance.

Hosts hoping to pull rank

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:15:00 GMT

Making their first appearance in the knockout phase of a FIFA tournament, New Zealand have nothing to lose against hosts and holders Nigeria.

El Tri and Korea evenly matched

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:11:00 GMT

The stage is set for an evenly matched showdown between Korea Republic and Mexico in the Round of 16 with both teams claiming two wins to date.

Colombia's deadly goal twins

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com found out more about Wilson Cuero and Fabian Castillo, the strike partners aiming to shoot Colombia beyond Argentina and into the last eight.

Germany's Thy aiming high

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:31:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks to Germany striker Lennart Thy, who has made a habit of scoring decisive goals in Nigeria, ahead of their encounter with Switzerland.

Swiss fancied in European derby

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:10:00 GMT

After an impressive first round, Switzerland are favourites going into their last 16 encounter against a German side who have struggled to find form.

Regional foes meet in Ijebu-Ode

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:36:00 GMT

Argentina and Colombia are set to go head-to-head with one aim in mind: continuing their quest for a first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup title.

High-flying Turkey aim for UAE

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Enugu's final fixture at Nigeria 2009 sees group winners Turkey face United Arab Emirates, playing their first knockout match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Manon aims for second milestone

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:09:00 GMT

The youngest-ever player to ever play in Mexico’s top flight, Victor Manon wants to once again go down in the annals of the country's football.

Switzerland’s Tunisian talisman

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:41:00 GMT

Swiss playmaker Nassim Ben Khalifa spoke to FIFA.com about his role in helping knock out Brazil and the upcoming Round of 16 tie with Germany.

Nigeria returns Korean favour

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:09:00 GMT

With their own Nigerian fan club offering support, Korea Republic's dynamic youngsters have been getting a raucous welcome whenever they play.

Italy gunning for revenge

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:36:00 GMT

Having lost to the North Americans at Peru 2005, the Azzurrini will not lack motivation ahead of the pair's last-sixteen clash at Nigeria 2009.

New style for Stars and Stripes

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:40:00 GMT

FIFA.com chatted with coach Wilmer Cabrera about his USA's improved technique, and concerns over finishing before the crucial match with Italy.

Turk Demir's double ambition

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:28:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with Turkey's outstanding striker Muhammet Demir, who is hoping to be crowned world champion and top scorer in Nigeria.

Nigeria 2009: The groups in photos

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:05:00 GMT

From flamboyant fans to teeming rainstorms to raw emotion, FIFA.com brings you some of the best images of Nigeria 2009 thus far.

Smiles all round in Group E

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:01:00 GMT

Spain, USA and UAE all achieved their objectives in reaching the last 16, while Malawi battled hard on their maiden FIFA finals appearance.

Italy and Korea rule Group F

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:55:00 GMT

The Europeans and the Asians wowed the crowds in different ways, progressing to the Round of 16 along with the fortunate Uruguayans.

Iran make history in Group C

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:05:00 GMT

The Iranians roared to top spot in Group C in Calabar and were followed through by Colombia, while the Dutch and Gambia packed their bags.

Turkey reign in Group D

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Four different football styles from four different corners of the globe made for a fascinating spectacle in Group D, where Turkey ultimately triumphed.

Swiss the cream of Group B

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:00 GMT

Switzerland made a stunning competition debut to top Group B ahead of Mexico, while three-time champions Brazil went out along with Japan.

Japanese say Sayonara

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:42:00 GMT

Despite winning respect and admiration from both fans and opponents, Japan depart Nigeria without a point rueing missed opportunities.

An artist with the ball

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com sat down for a sociable drink with one James Sunday Mathew, who has been dazzling Calabar with mind-boggling feats of ball-juggling.

Big three through in Group A

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:06:00 GMT

All eyes were on Group A as the Abuja-based section not only featured host nation Nigeria, but also heavyweights Argentina and Germany.

Elite 16 finalised amid drama

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:51:00 GMT

A dramatic final day of group matches saw four more teams qualify, while there were shock eliminations for the Dutch and Brazil.

Dynamic Koreans break through

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Korea Republic downed Algeria 2-0 in the final Group F clash in Kaduna to move through to the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Italy first as Uruguay advance

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 GMT

Italy and Uruguay battled to a goalless draw in Group F at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with both sides booking passage to the knockout stages.