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.

Pacheco: I was always prepared

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:25:00 GMT

With first-choice goalkeeper Aitor injured, Fernando Pacheco has been called upon to help Spain through these finals. The No21 spoke to FIFA.com about the shoot-out with Korea Republic and their match ahead against Brazil.

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.

Favourites get the job done

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:22:00 GMT

There were no surprises in Wednesday’s four Round of 16 games, though Nigeria, Spain and France had to dig deep to progress, with only Brazil coasting through.

Spain beat Korea Republic on penalties

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:49:00 GMT

Spain saw off Korea Republic in dramatic fashion, defeating the Asians 7-6 on penalties, with Kim Kyung Jung the unfortunate player to miss from the spot in Manizales.

Lee: We'll become world's top team

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:49:00 GMT

Lee Kwang Jong speaks to FIFA.com about his Korea Republic U-20 team's showdown with Spain, how penalties could prove crucial, the nations' meeting in 2002 and how the Asians' senior team will one day dominate world football.

Taeguk test for roaring Roja

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:53:00 GMT

Spain have been on fire in Colombia, while Korea Republic have looked lethargic after a promising start. Will this game unfold as the majority imagine it will, or can the Asians upset the odds?

Joy and sorrow on decision day

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:38:00 GMT

The penultimate round of group fixtures at the FIFA U–20 World Cup Colombia 2011 was a day packed with conflicting emotions, as teams' fates were sealed - seeing them progress or head home.

Colombians finish perfect, South Koreans through

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:05:00 GMT

The hosts beat the Asians 1-0 to progress with a 100 per cent record, though the losers will also go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

Valencia: I want to win for my dad

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Jose Valencia, son of Colombia legend Adolfo, on his goal against Mali, comparisons with his father, and his desire to lift the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Colombia striving for perfect nine

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Hosts Colombia have already qualified from Group A, but are aiming to stay in Bogota and make it nine points out of nine when they take on Korea Republic on Friday.

Colombia qualify as Marinovic stars again

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:31:00 GMT

The hosts beat Mali to reach the knockout phase as the on-song keeper earned New Zealand a draw with Uruguay, while France and Portugal both won.

France finish strong to beat Korea Republic

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:05:00 GMT

The match entered the last ten minutes all square, but goals from Gueida Fofana and Alexandre Lacazette thereafter grabbed the European champions a much-needed win.

Lee: Playing France will be special

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:48:00 GMT

Korea Republic forward Lee Yong-Jae talks to FIFA.com about playing against his adopted country France, missing his family at home, and why he wanted to become a footballer in the first place.

France seeking response against Korea Republic

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:17:00 GMT

France's FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 may have got off to the worst possible start against Colombia, losing 4-1, but to keep their tournament alive they must beat a menacing Korea Republic side.

Hosts rock the party as Africans lament

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:16:00 GMT

The hosts produced a thrilling second-half display to beat France 4-1 as Korea Republic proved too strong for Mali, while the Cameroon-New Zealand and Portugal-Uruguay games finished all square.

Korea Republic sink misfiring Mali

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:15:00 GMT

Korea Republic claimed a 2-0 victory over Mali in their Group A match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, despite a back and forth encounter involving several chances for each side.

Hour delay for Bogota games

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:13:00 GMT

Due to heavy rainfall in Bogota and the resultant adverse pitch conditions at El Campin, both the 17.00 Mali-Korea Republic match and the 20.00 Colombia-France match have been delayed by one hour.

Mali, Korea Republic seek quick lift-off

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:23:00 GMT

The African side and their Asian counterparts will be, given that Colombia and France are favourites to go through from Group A, treating their curtain-raiser as a must-win affair.

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.

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.

With or without Ji

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:04:00 GMT

Time is starting to run short on Korea Republic coach Lee Kwang-Jong as he seeks his perfect combination for the young Taeguk Warriors, who will look to defend a strong record at next month's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

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.