Can Nigeria Set Precedent Again To Become First Host Winner?
Since the FIFA U-17 World Cup debuted in China in 1985, no participating country has been able to lift the coveted trophy as host. As the 13th edition tagged 'Nigeria 2009' enters its second day today at the Abuja National Stadium, one question remains palpable in the minds of soccer lovers, that is if Nigeria can add another cap to the precedent it set as first nation to lift the trophy by being the first host winner. Using past records, IGHO OTOMEWO goes back memory lane as he reviews the performances of hosts alongside the exploits of winners in the various editions.
NIGERIA made history on the world stage for the first time when it emerged as the first country to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in 1985. Since then, the country has continued to impress its admirers, winning two more editions and finishing as runners-up in not less than three editions.
Now as defending champions cum host of the 13th edition of the youth tournament, Nigeria has the opportunity to raise the bar by emerging first to host and win. This reality would be known after 21 days of soccer fiesta, which will witness 24 countries taking on one another in 52 games watched by over 200 million viewers the world over. But at the moment, let's take a cruise down memory lane.
IN the beginning (1985), China, as host, was drawn in Group A alongside Guinea, Bolivia and USA. The Asian giant finished as the group's best with five points ahead of Guinea, which was second with four points. It, however, did not advance beyond the quarterfinal stage as it fell 2-4 to Germany.
Tournament winners, Nigeria, who relied on raw strength, skill and a willingness to attack, proved themselves superior in all facets of the game by defeating Hungary 3-1 in the quarter-finals, picked a final place ticket with a 4-2 trumping of fellow African country, Guinea and coasted home into history book as winners of the maiden edition with a 2-0 trashing of Germany.
CANADA was next to host the world in 1987. The Southern American country kicked off its campaign in Group A on a sad note and finished bottom of the group as it lost 0-2 to Italy, 0-1 to Egypt and 1-2 to Qatar.
Eventual champions, Soviet Union, stood head-and-shoulders above others. Looking better prepared than their opponents both physically and mentally, they dribbled their way through the group phase with a draw against defending champion, Nigeria before recording a 4-2 trouncing of South American champions, Bolivia and crowned it with a 7-0 thrashing of CONCACAF kings, Mexico to reach the finals.
THE FIFA youth fiesta made yet another safe landing in Scotland at the wake of the year 1989. The southern European country came close to making history as first to host and win the tournament when it narrowly lost to Saudi Arabia in a 4-5 penalty shot-out after a two all draw at regulation time.
On its way to the finals, Saudi Arabia had ended second behind Portugal in the group stage with 4 points before defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals and cruising into the finals with 1-0 defeat over Bahrain. Saudi Arabia's solid organisation, excellent discipline and clear game plan were the qualities that saw them through to the FIFA U-17 hall of fame.
IN 1991, world soccer powerhouse, Italy became the fourth country to host the world but unfortunately could not match skills with Group A contenders. USA topped the group with six points ahead of Argentina, which scored only three points to move into the quarter-final stage.
It was in that year the FIFA golden trophy made a home coming to Africa. Ghana, who assembled just the right blend of individual talents coupled with team spirit, and good initiative, were ultimately rewarded for their enterprising approach.
On the way to the top, Ghana narrowly lost the top spot in Group D to Spain on goal difference, breezed past Brazil 2-1 in the quarters, beat Quarter with 4-2 penalty shot-out in the semis before snatching the title from the grip of Spain with a lone goal.
NEXT, Japan had a feel of the excitement in 1993, becoming the second Asian country to play host to the over 250 players that made up the 16 countries that took part in the epic event. Though it enjoyed the economic largesse that accrues to host countries during such fiesta and also made it through to the quarter-finals, Japan could not go past much dreaded Nigeria, which it fell to 1-2.
Determined to keep the trophy in Africa, defending champions, Ghana bulldozed its way to the finals but could not match skills with Nigeria that played with an overwhelming sense of determination and reclaimed the title it lost eight years back.
Inspired by Wilson Oruma, the Golden Eaglets stood out from start to finish. Their outstanding physique, impeccable sense of organisation and progressive tactics combined to make them the most feared team in the tournament.
WITH the trophy still lounging in Africa, it was Ecuador's turn in 1995 to treat the world to its rich cultural heritage and mannerisms. Friendly natured and passionate for visitors, the Ecuadorians did not fail to deliver in ensuring that soccer pundits and enthusiasts alike had a feel of the Fiesta de la Mama Negra (Mama Negra cultural parade) Caribbean flavour.
The South American coastline country, however, could not parade the best of teams as it only to qualify for the second round on goal advantage behind Ghana and was sent parking by Argentina after a 3-1 trouncing.
Coached by Samuel H. Arday, second time champions, Ghana ensured the extended stay of the FIFA U-17 diadem on the African soil for the third consecutive time, adding up to six years. Banking on their physical and technical superiority, the Black Starlets, breezed past the Portuguese in the quarters, did a 3-1 spanking of little known Oman before beating samba boys, Brazil 3-2, to lift the cup.
FOLLOWING Africa's dominance at the bi-annual contest, it was only logical for the mundial to berth closer home where the priced U-17 trophy seemed to be on a long vacation. As such, Egypt in 1997 became the first African country ever to host the world at this level. However, Egypt could not live up to a good billing as it exited the game after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in the quarter-final.
Carlos Cˇsar-led Brazilian side re-kindled its rivalry against defending champions, Ghana. Still nursing the injury inflicted on them by the Ghanaians, the younger samba boys played the game of their life and were rewarded with a 2-1 victory.
NEW ZEALAND entered history books as a nation with the capacity to facilitate a global fiesta when it hosted the 8th edition in 1999. Lacking in quality, it however, had the capacity of its soccer team to match skills with world soccer houses drawn in the same group with it, in the likes of USA, Poland and Uruguay. New Zealand was booted out of the tournament at the group stage after finishing third behind Uruguay in Group A.
Defending champions, Brazil was not done yet. Drawn in Group C, the South Americans trashed Paraguayans 4-1 in the quarter-finals, escaped a Ghanaian scare after a 4-2 penalty shot out and cruised into victory with 8-7 spot kick against Australia.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO may not be noted for greatness in the field of soccer but it cannot be forgotten in a hurry when it comes to hosting a world soccer event. It was a year of mixed fortunes for the Caribbean country when it hosted in 2001. Trinidad and Tobago finished last in Group A with no points, scored two goals and conceded nine.
This time, it was the turn of France to surprise the world. Playing as a minnow, France stunned defending champions, Brazil with 2-1 in the quarter-finals, followed it up with another 2-1 against Argentina and crowned it with a 3-0 trashing of Nigeria in the finals. France had only appeared once before at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Canada back in 1987 when they finished sixth.
IN 2003, Finland recorded an impressive hosting but failed to go past the group stage as it ended third in the group that had Colombia, Mexico and China. It was a Brazilian comeback once again. The team which had won the trophy in three previous editions, took-off on a good footing after emerging tops in Group C with seven points. It defeated USA 3-0 in the quarters, booked a place in the finals with 2-0 against Colombia before beating Spain to the trophy with a lone strike.
YET another South American country, Peru was favoured for the 2005 edition. The host country went the way of the minnows, losing two games and winning one and ending at the bottom of Group A.
But it was yet another year of surprises, as final place debutants, Mexico stunned the world when it displaced Costa Rica 3-1 in the quarter-finals before walloping Netherlands by 4-0 and finally trashing almighty Brazil by 3-0 to claim the title.
IN 2007, the tournament made its 3rd journey to the Asian continent when South Korea won the bid for a hosting right for the 12th edition of the world soccer fiesta. Korea could not beat the records of its three previous predecessors, exiting at the first round, as well.
History re-played itself again as Nigeria, which won its two previous titles on the Asian continent, repeated this feat when it triumphed over Spain with a 3-0 penalty shot-out in the finals played in Seoul.
Nigeria 2009. The die is cast. Who becomes the new kid on the block? Or can Nigeria set another precedent as the first country to host and win? These uncertainties will become history after the grand finale billed for the main bowl of the Abuja National Stadium come November 15.
