Brazil eye fifth title at under-20 World Cup
Thursday, 24 September 2009
CAIRO, Sept 23 (AFP): Four-time champions Brazil will bid for a fifth crown at the September 24-October 16 FIFA under-20 World Cup here in the absence of defending title-holders Argentina, who surprisingly failed to qualify.
Brazil have not triumphed in the tournament since the United Arab Emirates in 2003, and will face some stiff competition from hosts Egypt, who will be seeking to post a first African win.
European heavyweights England, Germany, Italy and Spain will also be in the mix along with the African trio of Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria, all of whom boast fine track records at this level.
"We're working hard to win a fifth title," said Brazil coach Gildo Rodrigues. "The 2007 tournament in Canada (when Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Spain) were a disaster.
"That's why we're going to Egypt to win."
Brazil have not triumphed in the tournament since the United Arab Emirates in 2003, and will face some stiff competition from hosts Egypt, who will be seeking to post a first African win.
European heavyweights England, Germany, Italy and Spain will also be in the mix along with the African trio of Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria, all of whom boast fine track records at this level.
"We're working hard to win a fifth title," said Brazil coach Gildo Rodrigues. "The 2007 tournament in Canada (when Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Spain) were a disaster.
"That's why we're going to Egypt to win."