FIFA.com - News

Brazil's youngsters return to the top

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:16:00 GMT

Eight years after their last FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph, Brazil lifted the trophy for the fifth time in front of record-breaking crowds at Colombia 2011.

Behind the scenes at Colombia 2011

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:05:00 GMT

FIFA photographers have gone behind the scenes to bring you an exclusive view of Colombia 2011. From the changing room to the warm-up areas by way of the tunnel, we look at some of their shots.

Colombia survive huge scare, snatch win

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:24:00 GMT

Los Cafeteros trailed with 11 minutes left on the clock, but two late goals secured the hosts a 3-2 defeat of Costa Rica and a place in the quarter-finals.

Hosts in heaven on penalty Tuesday

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:57:00 GMT

All four games were, exceptionally, decided by penalties. Colombia needed a last-gasp one to complete a thrilling comeback, while Argentina and Portugal also scored winners from the spot and Mexico triumphed in a shoot-out.

Gonzalez plots Colombian downfall

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:23:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Costa Rica coach and birthday boy Ronald Gonzalez on his plans to upset the odds in his charges’ FIFA U-20 World Cup Round-of-16 match with Colombia.

Worth the weight for Bonilla

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:12:00 GMT

Colombia goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla tells FIFA.com about how, as an overweight eight-year-old, he swapped scoring goals for saving shots, and about his desire to be regarded as the best in his position at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Colombia face Gonzalez threat again

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:11:00 GMT

The scorer of the Costa Rica goal that downed Colombia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1989, Tico coach Ronald Gonzalez is plotting their downfall again in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Spain, Nigeria perfect, Guatemala historic

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 04:30:00 GMT

The final matches in Groups C and D featured excitement aplenty, including a stunning win for Guatemala over Croatia which extends their stay at Colombia 2011.

De Jesus nods Ecuador through

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:04:00 GMT

Ecuador have booked their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, who, despite the loss, have also secured their place in the knockout round as a best third-place team.

From bus tunes to celebrity times

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:18:00 GMT

Juan Govea speaks to FIFA.com about singing on buses to put food on his family's table, representing Ecuador in Colombia, how fame hasn't changed him and playing for his father.

High stakes in Pereira

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:02:00 GMT

Ecuador and Costa Rica could both end up in the Round of 16. They could also both end up out of the competition. The two sides will be going all out for victory.

Goal rush takes trio through

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:03:00 GMT

Spain, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria all confirmed their passage to the knockout stage at Colombia 2011 amid a flurry of goals, while Costa Rica are also looking good after an entertaining win over Australia.

Campbell stars as Ticos edge Aussies

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:50:00 GMT

The highly-rated No10 scored twice as Costa Rica beat Australia 3-2 to leave themselves in a strong position to advance and their opponents with a mountain to climb.

Koke: We came here for the title

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Koke speaks to FIFA.com about Spain's 4-1 win over Costa Rica, his goal and Rodrigo's performance in it, the ensuing battle with Ecuador and the Iberians' target for the tournament.

Spain eye progression, Ecuador target upset

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:20:00 GMT

Victory would take the Iberians through to the Round of 16, while defeat would leave Ecuador with it all to do in their final Group C outing.

Oar: Soccer will become our top sport

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:54:00 GMT

Tommy Oar chats to FIFA.com about his wonder goal and Australia's last-gasp draw against Ecuador, their upcoming game against Costa Rica and his belief that the sport will soon become the top sport Down Under.

Socceroos, Ticos poised to collide

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:36:00 GMT

Australia and Costa Rica, on one point and zero respectively, know defeat in their second Group C game would severely diminish their chances of reaching the Round of 16.

Nigeria romp as Saudis end wait

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:43:00 GMT

The Flying Eagles overwhelmed Guatemala 5-0 as the Asians won their first match in the tournament, while Spain survived a scare to beat Costa Rica 4-1 and Tommy Oar's wonder goal snatched Australia a point.

Rodri stars as Spain see off Costa Rica

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:52:00 GMT

The Benfica forward's double had La Roja strolling towards victory, but the Central Americans threatened an unlikely comeback before Koke and Isco sealed a 4-1 victory late on.

Spanish set out with Costa Rican test

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:58:00 GMT

Costa Rica and Spain, who each boast one of the tournament's biggest attractions, are set to square off in an appetising Group C opener.

Twenty-four teams, one trophy

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:24:00 GMT

Ahead of the tournament's opening matches, FIFA.com casts an eye over the 24 teams who have converged on Colombia to battle for world U-20 glory.

The U-20 finals in numbers

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:47:00 GMT

Tallest, smallest and youngest players, runs without conceding, highest-scoring matches, and quickest goals and most netted as FIFA.com highlights some intriguing statistics from Colombia 2011 and the competition's history.

All sights set on global glory

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:40:00 GMT

As 24 sides gear up for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, FIFA.com takes a closer look at the similar ambition among the tournament's players and coaches to hoist the trophy.

Who will win Colombia 2011?

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:37:00 GMT

Whose stars will shine the brightest this time around, and which side will be crowned the best youth side on the planet? FIFA.com wants to hear from you.

Potential stars under starter’s orders

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com casts an eye over some of the star names who will be appearing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, where these players will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

Thiago Alcantara, doing it his way

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:31:00 GMT

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara talks to FIFA.com about playing for the European club champions, his hopes for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and following on from his famous father.

Triple challenge for Ticos' Campbell

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Currently starring at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell also has the Copa America and the FIFA U-20 World Cup to look forward to this year.

Draw yields mixed reactions

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:57:00 GMT

Gauging the thoughts of the coaches attending the Official Draw for Colombia 2011, FIFA.com encountered some interesting points of view.

The waiting is over

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:10:00 GMT

The Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 took place in the northern coastal city of Cartagena, with the first match of the group phase to feature Brazil and Egypt in Barranquilla on 29 July.