The National Theater of Costa Rica, in San José, dressed up to host the draw for the final phase of the U-20 World Cup to be held in the Central American country from August 10 to 28. It will be the first post-pandemic World Cup after two years waiting for the tournament that should have been held in 2020. Costa Rica waited and, at last, will be able to host the planetary tournament.
Spain starts as one of the favorites after hanging the silver in the last World Cup back in 2018 in France. Japan crossed the path of La Rojita for the gold and, on this occasion, they have avoided the Japanese in the first phase. It was the most difficult rival in pot 1, since the other two difficult ones were European. Therefore, Spain will face the hosts, Costa Rica, in group 1. They were not so lucky with the other two pots that paired them with Brazil and Australia, two teams that have been working very well in recent years. The first two of the group will go to the quarterfinals and Spain will face the first or second of group B where Germany, Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico are.
Meanwhile, in Group C were France, Nigeria, Canada and South Korea who will face Group D made up of Japan, the Netherlands, Ghana and the United States. Shirley Cruz, a former international player who has played for teams like PSG and the NWSL, took the ovation of the draw. Shirley is part of the Local Organizing Committee and together with Paulo César Wanchope. Both were the innocent hands in the draw. “I feel very honored because it’s hard for me to measure everything I’ve achieved by staying active in football, but it’s an honor to be by Paulo’s side, on a magical day that will be the prelude to the World Cup… The importance is that FIFA had already given us the opportunity to organize a U-17 World Cup, now it gives us a U-20 World Cup. We are a soccer country and we are capable of hosting this type of competition,” Cruz said.
“It is the first tournament organized by FIFA after the pandemic. It will be the tenth edition of this championship and it will be the opportunity to see the best female talent from 16 teams from different confederations. In addition, these players will have this great stage to develop their talent. This tournament is already leaving some structure in Costa Rica for development, even before the trophy is lifted. Many thanks to Rodolfo Villalobos for everything his team has done. Good luck to everyone, see you in Costa Rica very soon”, said Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA
The groups
– Group A; Costa Rica, Australia, Spain and Brazil
– B Group: Germany, Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico
– Group C: France, Nigeria, Canada and South Korea
– Group D: Japan, the Netherlands, Ghana and the United States
