Finalists eager for U19 kick-off
Tuesday 18 July 2006
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Who will succeed France as European U19 champions? (©uefa.com)
The cream of Europe's young talents are gathering in the Polish city of Poznan for the finals of the fifth UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which kick off this evening.
Stiff competition
The next 12 days will determine who succeeds 2005 winners France, with Spain perhaps the early favourites to lift the trophy for the third time although Portugal, Turkey and Scotland are sure to provide a stiff test in Group B. In Group A, hosts Poland compete with Austria, Belgium and the Czech Republic for the two semi-final places on offer, with the final to be held at the Stadion Miejski in Poznan on 29 July.
Rising stars
One of the most satisfying activities at UEFA youth tournaments is attempting to identify the rising stars with the ability to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fernando Torres, who appeared in the first U19 finals in 2002. Unsurprisingly, a number of players who make an impact at this level go on to impress on the senior stage: from 2002 alone, Philipp Lahm and David Odonkor were part of Germany's squad at the recent FIFA World Cup while Andrés Iniesta and José Antonio Reyes were involved in Spain's squad in Germany having been among Torres's team-mates.
Names to note
There are many more examples of players who have proved their class at U19 level – and, before this event was reclassified ahead of 2001/02, at the European U18 Championship – and doubtless the latest edition in Poland will contain several more prospects to keep an eye on in the future. For many of these players, this tournament represents a first opportunity to feature in the final round of a major international competition - although four of the eight qualifiers, Austria, Portugal, Spain and Turkey, reached the U17 finals in France two years ago, the remaining four teams missed out.
Important experience
Particularly keen to impress will be Scotland, who last appeared in an U18 finals in 1986, and hosts Poland, who claimed the last U18 title in 2001 by defeating the Czechs. With current coach Michał Globisz also in charge on that occasion, the Poles – who will enjoy substantial home support – should have no doubts what it takes to succeed. The Czech Republic should also have an advantage in that respect: head coach Miroslav Soukup will be assisted by Jakub Dovalil, who led the U17 side to the final of their UEFA European Championship earlier in the summer. Nor will Belgium be lacking in this regard as coach Marc Van Geersom is involved in the final stages of a European U19 or U18 Championship for the fourth time in six seasons.
First finals
The stage is set for an intriguing fortnight in the Wielkopolska region of Poland, with the country hosting the finals of a UEFA tournament for the first time. With the weather forecast good, the six match venues all in pristine condition and excitement mounting, all that remains is for the eight competing nations to put on a worthy show. If past experience is any guide, they will do so admirably.
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