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FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007

The countdown to Korea begins

The Official Emblem of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 was unveiled in Seoul on Tuesday, just under a year before the tournament's kick-off on the 18 August next year. The countdown has begun as the Local Organising Committee held its inaugural meeting under the presidency of Mr. Chung Dong-Chea, MP.

The former minister of Culture and Tourism was quick to stress the importance of youth football. "The development of youth football is crucial for us to have good results in the upcoming (FIFA) World Cups," said Chung. "Next year's tournament should be a good opportunity to strengthen the foundations of the game."

Among the 50 committee members are Dr. Chung Mong-Joon, the president of the KFA and FIFA Vice President, Lee Hong-Goo, former Prime Minister of Korea Republic, four vice presidents of the KFA, five Members of Parliament, and six representatives from the venue cities.

Emblem unveiled

The emblem was revealed shortly after the meeting. The red, yellow and blue tri-coloured Taegukseon, the traditional fan of Korea, is designed to express the dynamism and the bright future of the young players from the 24 teams who will qualify for the finals.

The proposed six venues of the tournament are Busan, Cheonan, Jeju, Suwon, Ulsan and Gwangyang, however, these will be confirmed at a later date.

The final draw will take place in May, with the 23 teams from six confederations - AFC (4), CAF (4), CONCACAF (5), CONMEBOL (4), OFC (1), UEFA (5) - and the host country divided into six groups featuring four teams each. Winners, runners-up, and four third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16.

The final will be played on 9 September 2007.

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CONCACAF gets to send 5 teams to the tournament. The defending champion in 2005 (Mexico) plus 4 open spots.

[panoramix]

With enough preparation (mentally as well as physically) with have a very good chance of making it to the U-17 World Cup. Haiti lost their cool against Mexico and lost 3:0 to the defending champion, (score was 0:0 at the half). Mental preparation will greatly improve this team.