Fifa U-20 World Soccer Cup Egypt 2009

The powerful attraction of history, the pyramids of Egypt conferred the U-20 World Cup a very special and friendly frame, to which was added the warmth and enormous football passion of its people, that accompanied the matches in large numbers despite the irregular performance of their national team.

The performance of the South American teams has been acceptable, since the four teams passed to the second phase. Uruguay had bad luck with the calendar. They had a very complicated one, otherwise I think they could have reached the finals.

Venezuela had a good debut in the World Cups. The best of Venezuela was their triumph against Nigeria - 1-0 - in the first match.

Paraguay played a great match against Egypt, with a crowded stadium and they succeeded in defeating the rival almost as the last minute, despite playing with only 10 men. But afterwards they seemed to have lost their hardness and were surpassed by South Korea in the round of sixteen.

Uruguay could have a better luck. If they had been first in their group, they might have reached the final and they would not have played against Brazil so soon.

As to Brazil, their presence in the final, evinces their capacity and worth and also the solemnity with which the tournament was prepared. All the teams, including Ghana in the final and Germany in the quarterfinals used totally defensive schemes against Brazil. It is difficult to have to fight with this situation, but the team respected their style of football, displaying an offensive play and exhibiting several high quality players.

Generally speaking the tournament was correct, though I consider that a little freshness was lacking. There was not much place for the footballer's inspiration. At present the teams prepare themselves for this tournament as if they were professionals and coaches give less freedom to their pupils.

There was a bit of everything, but I remain with what the teams of Ghana, Brazil and Uruguay did. Technically, they were the ones I liked best.

Final: Ghana 4 - Brazil 3

Alvaro Silva