The 2006 Women's U-20 World Cup (officially 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship ) was the third edition of this competition for women under the age of 20 (as of January 1, 1986) and took place from August 17 to August 3 September 2006 in Russia . Russia hosted a FIFA tournament for the first time after the 1985 Men's Junior World Cup took place in the Soviet Union. The game was played in the cities of Moscow (four stadiums) and Saint Petersburg . The field of participants was also increased from twelve to 16. World Champion was North Korea that China in the final 5: 0 defeat.
In Europe, the 2005 European Women's U-19 Championship was the qualifying tournament in Hungary . The four semi-finalists automatically qualified for the finals. Since the eventual European champions Russia was automatically qualified as the host, the two group thirds England and Switzerland played for fourth European place. The Swiss won 2-1 and qualified for the finals alongside Russia, France, Germany and Finland.
New Zealand won the Oceania qualification effortlessly, Tonga were beaten 6-0 in the final.
The U-19 Asian Cup in Malaysia was also the qualifying tournament for the World Cup. The first three teams qualify for the finals. In addition to Asian champions China and runner-up Asian champions North Korea, AFC newcomers Australia also qualified for the finals after beating Japan 3-2. The defending champion South Korea's elimination in the preliminary round was surprising.
The number of teams from North America has been increased from two to three. In qualifying, the United States secured overall victory with a 3-2 win over Canada. Mexico also qualified for the finals in third.
In Africa , too , the number of places has been increased from one to two teams. In addition to Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo also prevailed in the qualification.
South America also benefited from the increase in the field of participants, instead of only one place in the final round, two have now been awarded. As expected, Brazil and Argentina prevailed.
The draw took place on March 22nd, 2006 in Moscow City Hall, the 16 participants were divided into four lottery pots, from each of which one team was drawn into one of the groups (1-4).
The distribution of the lottery pots:
Lottery pot A: Russia (hosts), Germany (defending champions), China (runner-up world champions) and USA (third)
Lottery pot B: Brazil, Argentina, Canada and Mexico
Lottery pot C: Nigeria, DR Congo, North Korea and Australia
Lottery pot D: Finland, Switzerland, France and New Zealand
With the exception of the European teams, no two teams from the same confederation could meet in the preliminary round.
Although Russia was seeded as the group head of Group A, Australia and New Zealand played the opening game.
The Golden Ball also went to the Chinese Ma Xiaoxu . The Silver Ball to her teammate Zhang Yanru . The American Danesha Adams received the Bronze Ball .
Golden Shoe
The Chinese Ma Xiaoxu was also awarded the Golden Shoe as the top scorer . She reached five goals and two assists in 7 games. The North Korean Kim Song-hui received the Silver Shoe for also five goals but with only one assist; the bronze shoe went to Anna Paleness from Germany, as she scored four goals and two assists in fewer minutes than the fourth-placed Nigerian.
FIFA Fair Play Award
The Fair Play Award for the fairest team in the tournament went to host Russia and world champion North Korea at the same time.
All-Star Team
goalkeeper
Defense
midfield
striker
China People's RepublicYanru Zhang Val Henderson United States
BrazilDaine Coralie Butcher Babett Peter Hong Myong-gum Ri Jin-ok Ri Un-hyang France Germany Korea North Korea North Korea North
AustraliaColette McCallum Cynthia Uwak Célia Okoyino da Mbabi Kim Kyong-hwa Kim Chun-hui Amanda Poach Nigeria Germany Korea North Korea North United States
BrazilFabiana Ma Xiaoxu Amadine Henry Rita Chikwelu Kil Son-hui Jelena Danilowa Danesha Adams China People's Republic France Nigeria Korea North Russia United States
North Korea (1st title)
Russia
Ma Xiaoxu (5 goals)
yellow cards
Yellow-red cards
Red cards
Germany
Finland *
France
Switzerland *
Australia
Canada
Mexico
United States
Argentina *
Brazil
DR Congo *
Nigeria
New Zealand *
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