FIFA U20 Women's World Cup 19/11 - 07/12

[Napoleon Solo]

And here we go again!!!

FIFA.com - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008

19/11 15:00 China v Argentina 1.20 6.00 8.00
19/11 18:00 France v USA 7.50 4.40 1.30
19/11 18:00 New Zealand v Nigeria 3.85 3.60 1.70
20/11 00:00 Chile v England 4.00 3.40 1.70
20/11 19:00 Canada v Japan 4.10 3.85 1.60
20/11 19:00 Mexico v Norway 3.85 3.60 1.70
20/11 22:00 Brazil v Korea DPR 3.35 3.15 1.95
20/11 22:00 Congo DR v Germany 11.00 8.00 1.10

[Napoleon Solo]

OFC - New Zealand (nominated)
New Zealand were nominated by the OFC to represent them at the World Cup as the Ferns are so dominant in the Pacific Islands that qualifying was deemed unecessary.

The team will include nine of the squad that played at the last tournament two years ago, including two players who were 15 at the time. Back then they were disappointing in a 0-3 loss to Australia before more than credible performances against the hosts Russia and a strong Brazilian squad, gaining the Kiwis first ever World Cup point with a draw against Brazil.

The Ferns may well build upon those performances this year, especially with many of the same squad still on show. Also included in the squad (as a treat for myself, Beanie and Mickey) will be some of the squad that performed so admirably at the Under 17 World Cup as New Zealand continue their policy of building for the future.

[Napoleon Solo]

CONMEBOL - Brazil (1st), Argentina (2nd) and Chile (hosts/4th)

Brazil come into the tournament after a splendid qualifying campaign, winning all seven of their qualifying games, scoring thirty goals and conceding none. Canada 2002 and Thailand 2004 saw Brazil claim fourth place at both, before going one better and claiming third place with a penalty victory over USA in Russia, even with the fabulous Marta missing through injury. A whole host of new players have impressed recently, especially striker Erika who may well inspire the Brazilians the victory in this tournament.

Argentina finished a worthy second in qualifying, but were beaten comfortably by Brazil in their final game. Their only previous experience at the World Cup was in Russia 2006, where they came away with one win (4-0 v DR Congo) and two defeat (0-5 v France and 1-4 v USA).

Chile have no experience at this level, this being their first outing in a World Cup. They've recently undegone an overhaul of the women's set up in their country since being awarded the tournament but, despite an admirable fourth place in qualifying, are expected to struggle here.

[Napoleon Solo]

CONCACAF - Canada (1st), USA (2nd), Mexico (3rd)

Canada won the CONCACAF qualifying campaign to book their place in Chile. Despite reaching the final of the 2002 campaign, they've never really hit those heights since, a quarter final defeat in 2004 before going out in the group stages in 2006.

USA finished second to Canada, conceding their only goal of the tournament in the final in golden goal extra time. The USA are always considered strong contenders in Women's football and have demonstrated this in previous version of the cup, having never finished outside of the top four.

Mexico finished third in qualifying, losing to Canada in the semi-finals before a penalty shootout win over Costa Rica cemented Mexicos place in Chile. The Mexicans don't have a great record at previous tournaments having gone out in the group stage in both the 2002 and 2006 editions.

[Napoleon Solo]

CAF - Nigeria and DR Congo

After what seems like a very short qualifying campaign, both Nigeria and DR Congo qualify for the finals. Both teams have previous for in the tournament, Nigeria were knocked out of the group stage in 2002 and 2004 but went out in the quarter finals of the 2006 competition. An opening defeat to finalists China was followed by a 2-1 win over Brazil and 1-1 draw with Italy, before going out on penalties to Germany. DR Congo's tournament didn't go so well ending in the group stage after three defeats, 1-2 v USA, 0-1 v France and 0-4 v Argentina.

[Napoleon Solo]

AFC - Korea DPR (1st), Japan (2nd), China (3rd)

Korea DPR made pretty easy work of qualifying, winning all three group games before a 4-1 semifinal win over China and a 1-0 final win over Japan. Korea DPR are something of a powerhouse in women's football. They won the U20 title as debutants to add to the numerous titles the senior team have won in recent times.

Japan qualifed as second placed having finished second, behind Korea DPR, in their group and being beaten by them in the final. Japan missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup but considerable resources have been expended on women's football in the past few years. If the Japanese performance at the Under 17 World Cup is anything to go by, the Japanese could provide a few shocks.

China, despite having finshed as runner's up in the last two world cup really struggled in qualifying, despite the qualifying campaign being played entirly in China. They finished second in their group behind Korea Republic before being beaten 4-1 in the semi final by Japan and having to beat Korea Republic 1-0 in the third-placed playoff.

[Napoleon Solo]

UEFA - Germany (1st), England (2nd), Norway and France (Joint 3rd)

Germany quite easily retained their European title with five wins in five games. They've got a decent record in this competition, third place in 2002, winners in 2004, though a 1-4 quarter final defeat to the USA two years ago was quite sobering.

England suprised a lot of people in the Euros, finishing second to Germany after having won their group and easily dispatched of Norway in the semi-final. Their only previous experience was in 2002 when they qualified from the group, only to be beaten 6-2 by a legendary Canadian side.

France qualifed as a result of their semi-final apperance but could have made the final. They led Germany 2-0 only to end up losing in extra time. France have been rather unlucky in previou tournaments when they've gone out in the group stage in 2002 (in a group containing Brazil and USA) and the quarter finals to eventual champions Korea DPR.

Norway lost to both Germany and England on the road to qualifying for their first U20 World Cup. They do have a few more experienced players though, some of the women having already played for the senior team and some turning out regularly for Norwegian club sides.

[Napoleon Solo]

Group A
England 1.75
Nigeria 4.00
Chile 4.00
New Zealand 21.00

Group B
USA 2.00
China 2.20
France 7.00
Argentina 41.00

Group C
Germany 1.60
Japan 3.00
Canada 7.00
Congo DR 41.00

Group D
Korea DPR 1.75
Brazil 3.00
Norway 5.00
Mexico 41.00

[Napoleon Solo]

19/11 15:00 China v Argentina 1.20 6.00 8.00
Argentina were pretty dire in the last tournament. Their qualifying results were encouraging but were easily beaten by Brazil, the only real quality South American side. China have been one of the teams to beat for some time but did struggle somewhat during qualifying. Couldn't take either Argentina (too poor) or China (too poor price).

19/11 18:00 France v USA 7.50 4.40 1.30
The USA are a decent side but I really don't think they should be anywhere near this big against France. Their last meeting was 1-0 to the USA in the last World Cup but it looked like a pretty even match going on stats and the match report. France also led 2004 winners and current Euro champs Germany 2-0 in qualifying. France a definite possibility!

19/11 18:00 New Zealand v Nigeria 3.85 3.60 1.70
Ah, our plucky New Zealanders against the darlings of Nigeria. As much as I love New Zealand, Nigeria seem to have it ingrained into their national psyche that they'll outshoot everyone. It doesn't always work (U17 outshot England 12-2 but lost 0-1, last World Cup outshot China 22-6 losing 0-3) but it sometimes works spectacularly (8-0 v Finland). I could see New Zealand on a bit of a hiding.

20/11 00:00 Chile v England 4.00 3.40 1.70
England should win this but rather overachieved in the Euros and could be a tricky game against the host nation.

20/11 19:00 Canada v Japan 4.10 3.85 1.60
I'd expect the Japanese to win this if the performance of their Under 17s and the U20s in qualifying is anything to go by. However, Canada will no doubt be quite stubborn and could well be worth a bet at 4.10.

20/11 19:00 Mexico v Norway 3.85 3.60 1.70
Not sureabout this one, Mexico pretty much humiliated in the last WC but put up a decent shout in qualifying. Norway may well be too strong for them though, despite no previous world cup experience. Likely no bet though!

20/11 22:00 Brazil v Korea DPR 3.35 3.15 1.95
Brazil are a good team but Korea are phenomenal. Going to be close if their meeting in the semis last time out is anything to go by.

20/11 22:00 Congo DR v Germany 11.00 8.00 1.10
Germany should beat Congo quite easily, I;d have thought!


Initial bets:
France @ 7.50 - 1 point
Nigeria @ 1.70 - 2 points

[Beanie]

Great work Nap - had my eye on this tourney for a while.

One price sticks out like a sore thumb on the outright market...Nigeria @ 500/1! I was amazed Bwin priced 6 teams up at 500/1 for a competition at this level, and knew there would be one team in there that shouldnt be that price. From the looks of previous form in this competition, it has to be Nigeria, who as you say beat Brazil in the groups and only went out in the QFs on penalties to Germany.

Nearly all Nigerian teams, whether male or female, tend to be very quick, and regardless of ability can hurt any other team with that alone.

The most ridiculous thing about those 500/1 prices are that 3 of the teams are in the same group, so you've got a guaranteed 500/1 quarter finalist. Between NZ, Chile and Nigeria, the nod has to go to the Africans.

A speculative 0.5pts Nigeria @ 500/1.

Edit: Not that there's much point - bwin will take a maximum of 81 pence on that bet!

[Beanie]

My early take on the games, altho I'll be having a closer look later this week.

19/11 15:00 China v Argentina 1.20 6.00 8.00
I'd agree here Nap - Argentina haven't really shown enough to be considered a lively outsider here, but I don't think it could ever be recommended to take heavy odds on in the opening matches of this sort of tourney.

19/11 18:00 France v USA 7.50 4.40 1.30
I like the France bet here Nap - worth a speculative punt as France's qualifying results show an ability to trouble the big sides.

19/11 18:00 New Zealand v Nigeria 3.85 3.60 1.70
If NZ are including members of their U17 side then they could be in trouble - that said, with no qualifying results to go on I'm not sure I can take Nigeria at odds on here. If NZ have a bunch of players that already have world Cup experience they could potentially be a solid side. Not sure, but will prob give the first game a miss.

20/11 00:00 Chile v England 4.00 3.40 1.70
Ditto nap - one to watch I think.

20/11 19:00 Canada v Japan 4.10 3.85 1.60
Another one where there's so many question marks I'd be hard pushed to go near odds on.

20/11 19:00 Mexico v Norway 3.85 3.60 1.70
Ditto!

20/11 22:00 Brazil v Korea DPR 3.35 3.15 1.95
If there's ever a game to sit back and watch, it'll be this one. 2 of the best teams against each other straight away...not a clue how this one would go.

20/11 22:00 Congo DR v Germany 11.00 8.00 1.10
Easy win for Germany, but again, 1.10 isnt a price to take this early on.

[Beanie]

Few snippets...

China Injury problems
'Zhang would have liked a stronger team at his disposal, but the unexpected loss of two key forwards has cast a shadow over their prospects in the campaign. Top striker Ma Xiaoxu is still nursing a serious injury picked up during August's Olympic Games, while Ma Jun, the team's new attacking revelation, suffered a torn cruciate ligament in a recent friendly in Australia. With the striking duo ruled out, Zhang has no options but to modify his tactical approach. '

Canada
'"We have a lot of the qualities that people normally associated with Canadian football: speed, spirit, guts, commitment," Bridge said. "But he we have some very talented young players too. When you look at the individuals we may even be a better to the team that reached the final in 2002. '

Friendly Tournament in February - Results
England 0-1 USA
Chile 3-3 Norway
USA 2-1 Norway
Chile 1-0 England
Norway 2-2 England
Chile 1-5 USA

[Beanie]

On that basis that there will be a 500/1 quarter finalist, I'd hate to miss out on which one it was. NZ are the whipping boys, so to speak , but Chile look like they might have something about them, with that draw v Norway and win over England in the friendly tournament.

I think England will be the best team in the group, but with home advantage and, from what I read, big supports that come out to cheer them on, Chile might just upset the applecart. Worth a little punt anyway.

0.5pts(altho in reality its just the maximum 81 pence again!) Chile @ 500/1

[rcgills]

Is it only Bwin again for this tournament, or are there likely to be any other bookies covering this one?

[Beanie]

Unlikely I think rc - or none of the big firms anyway but will keep an eye out. Stonecold mentioned Bet365 for the U17 version but have never seen them with odds up beforehand.