Group F

The Big Match

Nigeria at Scotland (July 4 in Victoria) – Should be an interesting contest pitting Nigeria's fast and fluid attack against Scotland's tried and true defence.

Schedule

July 1: Japan vs. Scotland in Victoria
July 1: Nigeria vs. Costa Rica in Victoria
July 4: Costa Rica vs. Japan in Victoria
July 4: Scotland vs. Nigeria in Victoria
July 7: Japan vs. Nigeria in Victoria
July 7: Scotland vs. Costa Rica in Burnaby

What The Experts Say

John F. Molinaro, Editor, 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, CBC Sports Online:

There's real parity in this group and any one of the four teams could easily finish first.

Scotland raised more than a few eyebrows when it impressively reached the finals of last year's U-19 European Championship to stamp its passport for Canada. The Scots, coached by former national team legend Archie Gemmill, will be well-supported by the large Scottish ex-pat and immigrant population in British Columbia.

Nigeria shockingly lost to Congo in the African qualifiers, but don’t read too much into that. Runners-up in this tournament two years ago in the Netherlands, the Flying Eagles are an exciting team who play an attacking brand of soccer that overwhelms their opponents.

Asian powerhouse Japan and CONCACAF's Costa Rica will also challenge.

Predicted finish: 1. Scotland, 2. Nigeria, 3. Costa Rica, 4. Japan

Mitch Peacock, Commentator, CBC Sports:

Group F is this event’s Group of Death, with the only consolation being three of the four should advance.

Costa Rica, Japan, Scotland, and Nigeria each have the potential to move on. The Central Americans built around the side that reached the quarter-finals of FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru two years ago, Japan narrowly lost the in the finals of the Asian qualifying tournament, Scotland was a runner-up in UEFA competition, and Nigeria placed second at the African Youth Championship.

It’s tough to say which of the three will advance, but of the four, Nigeria may come in with the least momentum. The African nation is working out from the shadows of the superb side that finished second at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, and is looking a bit uninspired in pre-tournament play.

Predicted finish: 1.Japan 2.Scotland 3.Costa Rica 4.Nigeria

Nigel Reed, Commentator, CBC Sports:

Of all the six groups perhaps this one is the most difficult to call in advance. It comprises four teams who qualified as runners-up in their respective regions and will therefore feel, with some justification, that they all have a platform on which to build.

Costa Rica, who finished second behind Mexico, held the hosts to a 1-1 draw in their own backyard, while Japan missed out on the Asian title only after losing in the lottery of a penalty shootout

Nigeria’s latest crop of youngsters is not on a par with the team that reached the 2005 final, but are not to be taken lightly, while Scotland surprised and delighted the Tartan Army by reaching the final of the UEFA tournament. No doubt the ex-pats will be out in force to roar on Archie Gemmill’s stars.

Predicted finish: 1. Costa Rica, 2. Nigeria, 3. Scotland, 4. Japan