Hosts UAE have been drawn in Group A along with three countries qualifying for the first time for the FIFA World Youth Football Championship to be held here between March 25 and April 16.
It has never happened in the history of football. Three first time qualifiers out of four have been drawn into one group and that too with the hosts. FIFA officials agreed that this was the first time such a unique grouping in a FIFA-organised tourney has ever occurred.
A total of 24 nations along with the UAE will play in six groups in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain during the championship.
At yesterday's impressive draw for the FIFA Under-20 World Youth Cup Football Tournament to be staged here in the UAE between March 25 and April 26, the hosts have been drawn in group A along with first-time qualifiers Slovakia from Europe, Panama from CONCACAF and Burkina Faso.
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the UAE Football Federation along with FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi, AFC General Secretary Peter Vellapan and a host of other FIFA officials, members of the various committees of the Youth World Cup, and representatives of the 23 countries that have qualified for the event attended the draw ceremony at the Armed Forces Officers Club here last night.
The UAE will have to thank their senior national team coach Roy Hodgson who picked the three teams thereby giving the UAE a strong chance of advancing into round two of this youth championship.
Reigning champions Argentina were drawn along with Spain while Brazil got into Group C along with the Czech Republic and Australia. Group D seemed to be one of the tougher groups with Egypt, who finished third in the previous edition being grouped along with Asian giants Japan, England and Columbia.
Mexico are grouped along with Saudi Arabia and Ireland while Germany are in Group F along with USA and Korea.
Roy Hodgson, former FIFA and African Player of the year George Weah and the UAE's famous duo of Adnan Talyani and Zuhair Bakhit assisted Jack Warner, who conducted the draw in a very smooth and humourous manner.
Earlier in his welcome address Mattar M. Al Tayer, Member of the Higher Organising Committee of the championship welcomed the guests and also stated that all arrangements were in place for the championship which will be played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain.
Commenting on the draw and UAE's chances, Al Tayer said "All teams are strong. Burkina Faso plays very fast football and both Panama and Slovakia are no push-overs. However our aim is to first qualify for the second round," he said.
FIFA General Secretary, addressing the gathering said the youth championship is the stage where most of the future stars will be in action "Maradona, Van Basten, Bebeto, Dunga, Suker, Boban, Sammer, Figo, Francescoli, Thierry Henry, Raul and Savialoa are just few of the many who have trodden this path to success," he said.
"There are so many reasons for FIFA's decision to stage this year's Youth Championship in the UAE. The UAE is a land steeped in tradition, culture, natural beauty and personality and is home to peace loving and open people," Linsi said.
In organising the draw ceremony, the UAE displayed tremendous organisational skills as the entire ceremony went off according to the clock. After the guests were given a glimpse of the country's heritage at the Exhibition here, five Italian musicians performed. That was followed by a traditional song and dance sequence before the much-awaited draw was held.
George Weah, who plays for Al Jazira and a world star said no teams will be easy to beat. "Yes the UAE have been drawn into an easy group but all teams will fight hard on the pitch. The last World Cup has shown that no teams are big or small,." he added.
Commenting on the draw, former UAE ace Zuhair Bakhit said it was good on paper. "The youngsters will all be wanting to do their best and catch the eyes of talent scouts. A good championship is in the offing," he said.
Gulf News 2003
