China eye top spot, Turkey, Ukraine face European showdown
(FIFA.com)
Updated: 2005-06-17 09:05

Currently perching on top of Group B of the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 with two victories, China look to secure the group win in their final match with winless Panama at the Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht at 20.30 on 17 June. In the other meeting of the group kicking off simultaneously in Doetinchem, Turkey and Ukraine, both on three points, will battle it out in an all-European affair.

Panama will not throw in the towel

With six points in the bag, Group B leaders China are understandably targeting top spot. "Finishing top is almost a must as the second placed team will meet a qualifier from Group F which features Brazil, Switzerland, Korea Republic and Nigeria who are all formidable," Michael Weiss, assistant to head coach Eckhard Krautzun, told FIFA.com. "As top finishers we will meet a third placed team from Group A, C or D, any of which will presumably not be so strong."

There would be more than one possible way for China to finish top. If Turkey and Ukraine draw they will win the group whatever, but they will not want to rely on others.

China have picked up suspensions during their two hard-fought victories after collecting seven yellow cards and one red card. Midfielder Cui Peng and forward Zhu Ting, who both scored in their decisive 3-2 win over Ukraine, are automatically suspended for this match with the latter possibly suspended for another match.

"Our strategy is clear: the most important thing, of course, is to secure top spot, while in this match we might use some new faces to cope with the suspensions," Weiss went on. "Zhu Ting is an important player who plays hard and well so his suspension does cause some headaches for us. But we can give chances to other players to increase their international experience and exposure."

But Panama, despite losing their two previous matches, could still have a part to play. "The team are improving and we will play better against China," said Panama coach Victor Mendieta. The team's midfield dynamo Luis Gallardo appeared determined when speaking to FIFA.com, "We still have hopes to advance to next stage if we beat China by a big margin. And, at this age level, nothing is impossible."

Their views are echoed by Weiss. "Never think you are safe before a contest as no teams are minnows. The only approach to get the best result is to work 100% hard and ensure we have had the best possible preparation."

The loyal Turkish fans will be supporting their team in large numbers in the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005.

Turkey wary of Ukraine

Turkey impressed in last year's UEFA Youth Championship when they edged out Switzerland to reach the final, where they only fell to a cruel stoppage-time winner at the hands of Spain. Ukraine, meanwhile, lost to Spain in the semi-final, but only on penalties.

There the two rivals know each other well. For Turkey coach Senol Ustaomer, Ukraine are a team to respect. "We played two friendlies with them last year and we lost them both. They are a strong team and one of the tournament favourites as well."

Despite this, Ustaomer is confident that his players are capable of pulling off a good result. "Our players are technically strong with good pace. They showed a nervy start in this tournament but now they are making progress. We are a one of the teams to beat as long as the players do their job well."

His opposite counterpart, Ukraine coach Alexei Mkhailichenko, took a tone of caution. "My players have shown some problems and the biggest is their finishing - they have squandered so many chances."