Francesco Totti said he would not participate in the Italy national squad anymore and would not be playing for FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Euro.

His absence to the national squad doesn’t have an impact on Italy’s future because Totti has mostly been absent during important games of the team. He was sent off after Italy lost in FIFA World Cup 2002 and was banned from Uefa Euro 2004 because of spitting on Christian Poulsen, Danish midfielder.

He was present in FIFA World Cup 2006 but his presence wasn’t felt at all.

Totti, have fun and enjoy your new found freedom.

[tags]Francesco Totti, Italy[/tags]

No one expected an all Asian finals in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, furthermore, no one expected a Korea DPR title. Korea did not only win the finals but did it in a dominating approach finishing with a score of 5-0 where the first three came in the first half shocking the favorite team.

The image above from FIFA tells the story of two sides who competed for the finals.

[tags]Soccer, Football, FIFA U-20[/tags]

The loss of US Women’s World Championship became a redemption to Brazil in some way after their country lost in FIFA World Cup in Germany.

US controlled most of the game and looked like they will win a podium finish but Barbara of Brazil showed toughness in stopping goals all the way to the penalty shootout that helped them secure third place.

I wrote about the US Girls Football Team far from being pathetic as their boys, and true enough despite of their loss against Brazil in the battle for third place they still are way ahead of the men’s football team. It’s sorry to see them bow out without even winning the third prize award but the way they played proves a lot of their skill and potential going forward.

Majestic Falconets of Nigeria assured their spot in the quarterfinals with a crushing job over Finland 8 – 0. They did not need to win to join China in the quarterfinals but coach Emmanuel Tetteh Okonkwo had other things in mind. He instructed his team to attack strong and put the team away which saw them firing repeatedly and pounding Switzerland’s inferior football to the tune of eight times seeing the ball behind the net.

Cynthia Uwak led the charge against Finland in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship with a hat trick as a result of her continous and tireless attack on Finland.

Below are the team that qualified for the quarterfinals (enclosed in brackets are their point total):

Group A – Russia (5), Brazil (5)

Group B – China PR (9), Nigeria (6)

Group C – Korea DPR (9), Germany (6)

Group D – France (6), USA (6)—Both team still has to face each other in their last group game

I am running a poll on which team shall win in Russia 2006 at the right side column. Go and cast your vote.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship standings.

Last Update: August 24

Group A

Brazil – the samba country managed to get away with a stalemate against host nation Russia and Brazil and was able to defeat defending champions Australia with a score of 2 – 0.

Russia – came out very strong on their opening game with Brazil and managed to hold-off their powerful team to finish in a draw while their encounter with New Zealand proved harder and just got out with a 3 – 2 win. Their last game against Australia finished in a draw.

Australia – they openened their bid on a 3 – 0 destruction of New Zealand but was taken cared of by Brazil. They had a draw with Russia 1 – 1.

New Zealand – they need to do their homework as they were demolished by Australia and Russia. They worked hard to draw their last game against Brazil.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship is where you will discover and see the rising and future superstars of big Women leagues.

Group A

Australia is powered by captain Sally Shipard whose youthfullness show a lot of firepower but in general, Australia’s depth is going to be a problem for them.

Brazil is definitely the favorite in this group having the depth, exposure and skill set to beat any opponent. They are led by a strong leader in Marta who is expected to power this squad easily past the stage.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship is underway showing lots of excitement in games played so far. Below is the list of teams and groupings for the championships.

Group A – Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Russia

Group B – Canada, China, Finland, Nigeria

Group C – Germany, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland

Group D – Argentina, Congo, France, USA

[tags]FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship[/tags]

Women’s World Championship in Russia will start in less than two weeks and it would not be complete without a mascot, wouldn’t it?

The mascot is a little fox named Alissa, who fits well with the young women footballers, as the mascot represents beauty, intelligence, speed and craftiness. The little fox is a very popular icon in Russian literature and is easily recognized throughout the country.

The US women’s division is a very strong unit expected to perform very well in the upcoming Women’s U-20 championships in Russia this coming August, hoping to bring some sanity to football reputation in their country whose Men’s division brought so much shame in the recent FIFA World Cup 2006.

The U.S. team is looked poised for a proud performance following their focused training for several months in California, series of friendly competitions against top squads, a total of around 50 games since January, and were the U-19 world champions in 2002.