OFC News

KIWI YOUNGSTERS READY TO TAKE ON WORLD'S BEST

Thursday, 21 July 05, 06:35 AM

New Zealand's Soccer 2 will face Russian giants CSKA Moscow, Universidad Catolica of Chile, United States' Washington Crossfire, and Liao Ning of China in Group D of the Manchester United Premier Cup World Finals, being staged in the city of Hong Kong from 20 - 23 July 2005.

Former Manchester United played Eric Cantona made the draw for the tournament, jointly hosted by Manchester United and the Hong Kong FA and the largest of it's kind for under 15 players, bringing together 20 teams from all over the world.

The four groups contain five teams each, co-hosts Manchester United were drawn in Group A against a formidable group of opponents including Spanish champions Espanyol, Borussia Dortmund of Germany and two tournament newcomers, Pumas of Mexico and South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai.

The draw for Group C threw together three giants of the world game, England's Arsenal, Internazionale of Italy and Estudiantes from Argentina. Kumagaya are sure to provide strong opposition having emerged triumphant from the 4000-team Japanese qualifying tournament while Thailand's Chonburi Sports make up the group in their fourth appearance in the World Finals.

Fluminense will begin their attempt to become the fifth Brazilian side to win the World Finals in Group B where they will be confronted by the challenge of France's Paris St Germain, Moroka Swallows of South Africa, Brommapojkarna of Sweden and local Hong Kong side Tai Po.

Games will be played at the Happy Valley training ground, and as an added incentive to the teams, the final will be staged as a curtain-raiser to the sold-out Hong Kong v Manchester United game, at 2pm on 23 July at the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium.

Advising the young players to make the most of the tournament, Cantona said: "It is important for young players to experience the challenge of playing against teams from other countries and continents. I didn't have

the chance to play in this kind of tournament when I was 15 and it is a tremendous opportunity for the players.

"Every player at every age has a dream they want to realise and this a chance to fulfil those dreams."

Premier Cup was developed by Nike in 1992 as a grassroots tournament offering young players the opportunity to experience top class international competition. The original regional tournament, involving 624 teams, has since evolved into a worldwide event with over 8,000 teams

from 40 countries competing this year.

"To have reached the World Finals is a really special achievement" said David Daly, Nike's Football Club Business Director.

"Eight thousand teams started out in this competition so to be one of the 20 remaining teams is an outstanding performance" Daly added

In 2003, Nike joined forces with Manchester United to further expand horizons and underline their commitment to the biggest and best under-15 football tournament in the world.

FULL DRAW

Group A: Manchester United (England), Espanyol (Spain), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Pumas (Mexico), Ulsan Hyundai (Korea)

Group B: Moroka Swallows (South Africa), Brommapojkarna (Sweden), Paris St Germain (France), Fluminense (Brazil), Tai Po (Hong Kong)

Group C: Arsenal (England), Internazionale (Italy), Estudiantes (Argentina), Chonburi SA (Thailand), Kumagaya (Japan)

Group D: Washington Crossfire (USA), CSKA Moscow (Russia), Universidad Catolica (Chile), Soccer 2 (New Zealand), Liao Ning (China)

PREMIER CUP CHAMPIONS

Season Winners

1993-94 FC Porto, Portugal

1994-95 Real Madrid, Spain

1995-96 Espanyol, Spain

1996-97 Platense, Argentina

1997-98 Athletic Bilbao, Spain