Falconets to face Brazil, Italy

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

June 5, 2012 by Kazeem Busari 5 Comments

The Falconets have been drawn in Group B and will face Brazil, Italy and Korea Republic in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup holding in Japan from August 19 to September 8.

Nigeria were surprise finalists at the last edition in 2010 but lost to hosts Germany 2-0.

Falconets team manager, Faith Ben-Anuge, who was at the draw in Japan on Monday admitted Nigeria knew little of their group opponents.

“We have not played anyone in our group previously, but we are very determined and optimistic. We will give our all. I left my thoughts about the draw to fate, knowing that no matter the result it was determined by God,” Ben-Anuge told FIFA.com.

Brazil’s representative at the draw, Miguel Ernesto de Andrade Silva, also confirmed that they do not know anything about Nigeria. He said, “We don’t know our opponents’ current players very well. However, based on history, Korea will be a tough opponent. Our goal is to go to the final and hopefully win.”

In Group A of the tournament, hosts Japan will battle Mexico, Switzerland and New Zealand.

In Group C, Korea DPR will face Canada, Norway and Argentina, while in Group D the USA will contend with reigning champions Germany, China and Ghana.

Renate Lingor of Germany will not underrate any team in their group, saying, “I think in every group there are big women’s football countries. We have already played against USA this year therefore it is the team we know best in the group. They have a very strong team. Ghana and China are also strong opponents and we need to focus fully on them.

-Punch”wp_posts