U19 Women's World Cup
Edmonton, Canada, 2002

All reports courtest of www.socceraustralia.com.au and www.fifa.com.

Friday 2 August 2002: Youny Matildas head to Canada for Youth World Cup
The Young Matildas are about to head off to Canada to compete in the inaugural FIFA U19 Women’s World Championship as one of the twelve finalist nations.

The 18-member Team assembles in Sydney this Sunday 4 August before flying out the following day.  All media requests for interviews and photo opportunities should be directed to Janene Mar on the contact details which appear below.

The Young Matildas squad is: Elissia Canham (QLD), Catherine Cannuli (NSW), Hayley Crawford (NNSW), Emma Davison (NSW), Rose Dunne (NNSW), Katie Gill (NNSW), Lana Harch (QLD), Lisa Hartley (ACT), Selin Kuralay (VIC), Luisa Marzotto (ACT), Kate McShea – captain (QLD), Jessica Mitchell (QLD), Caitlin Muņoz (ACT), Amber Neilson (NNSW), Karla Reuter (QLD), Thea Slatyer (NSW), Lorissa Stevens (NNSW), Stacey Stocco (SA).

The FIFA U19 Women’s World Championship will be staged in three cities in Canada, 17 August to 1 September. Oceania champions Australia are drawn in Group C alongside superpower USA, England, and Chinese Taipei and play their group matches in Victoria.

Group A, based in Edmonton. is comprised of hosts Canada, Denmark, Nigeria, and Canada; whilst Vancouver will host Group B’s Germany, France, Mexico, and Brazil. The top two teams from each group plus the best two third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

A total of 82 countries competed in the event’s qualifying stages to determine the final twelve.

Tuesday 13 August 2002: Despite a loss, a valuable hit-out against Japan
The Young Matildas got a valuable taste of the quality of opposition they will face in the upcoming FIFA U19 Women’s World Championship, going down 2-0 against Asian champions Japan on Saturday evening.

The Australian U19 Team is presently in Vancouver for final preparations before this Saturday’s kickoff to the inaugural youth Championship when they face Asia’s number two nation Chinese Taipei.

It was an even first half against Japan, with Australia creating a number of chances but unable to make one count. Japan scored in the 30th minute with their only chance of the first half to lead 1-0 at half time.

Japan then controlled most of the second half as both teams made plenty of changes to personnel. Japan was rewarded with a second goal midway through the half.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was happy to at last play an international against a team which will be competing in the Championship, and took the opportunity to give all eighteen players a run.

"To play quality international opposition is fantastic,” said Mulvey. “It’s been the missing link in our preparation for the World Cup. We have seven days until our first group game against Chinese Taipei and we are on a steep learning curve. Everyone is working hard to make sure we are ready.”

He added, “Japan were more clinical than us today, and the players are now aware of the quality of opposition we will face in the World Cup. There were some good signs today, especially the chances we created."

Australia – Hartley (Marzotto 55), Slatyer (Dunne 60), McShea, Reuter (Stevens 60), Canham (Gill 46), Stocco (Davison 46), Neilson (Mitchell 75), Harch, Kuralay, Crawford (Munoz 80), Cannuli.

Sunday 18 August 2002: Team celebrate with a convincing win
The Young Matildas celebrated their historic opening match of the inaugural FIFA U19 Women's World Championship with a stunning 5-1 victory over Asia's number two Chinese Taipei this morning (Australian time) at Centennial Stadium in Victoria, Canada.

The Young Matildas' superiority over their opponent was apparent from the opening moments, striker Selin Kuralay put through for two great chances inside four minutes. A somewhat sluggish Chinese Taipei failed to respond with any great threat for the remainder of the clash, battling to contain the Australians' continual raids on goal.

An Amber Neilson shot hit the side netting in the 25th minute, before teammate Hayley Crawford finally struck Australia's first goal four minutes later in classic style. The target of a long ball from captain Kate McShea, Crawford cut back onto her left to curl the ball into the top far corner of goal. Kuralay was then sent goalwards with a fantastic through-ball only to be bundled down by the goalkeeper, and Neilson made no mistake from the resultant penalty to double Australia's lead in the 38th minute.

Australia continued to dominate in the second half, Neilson beating the keeper but hitting the woodwork with a freekick early after the break. Crawford scored her second in the 78th minute, a neat header from a top Lana Harch cross for a 3-0 lead.

Chinese Taipei took advantage of a defensive mixup to score in the 84th minute through Lu Yen Ling, but substitute Catherine Cannuli answered with a goal in the very next minute, heading home a Harch cross. Harch herself then added Australia's fifth after a goalkeeper mistake two minutes later.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was naturally thrilled with the first-up display. "The first half performance was exactly what I wanted - strong at the back, creative in midfield and killer instincts up front. This is a great start for the team."

The Young Matildas next face a much tougher assignment, taking on tournament favourites USA who despatched of England 5-1 in the earlier Group C match today.

Australia - Marzotto, McShea [c], Reuter, Slatyer, Neilson, Muņoz (Cannuli 60), Stocco (Gill 83), Davison, Harch, Crawford, Kuralay (Canham 60)

Progressive Points Table: Group C : AUSTRALIA 3pts; USA 3; Chinese Taipei 0; England 0.

Tuesday 20 August 2002: USA burst Australia's resilient floodgates
Courtesy of www.fifa.com
An early Kelly Wilson header and a three-goal second half surge was enough as the US won their second consecutive match at Victoria's Centennial Stadium. The win sees the US assured of a spot in the quarter-finals, while the young Matildas are still very much alive with 3 points and a match to go.

The match got off to a frenetic start as both sides looked keen to stamp some early authority on the proceedings. It was the US though, that garnered most of the early chances, putting pressure on the Australian defence. An early snap shot from Wilson had Aussie 'keeper Luisa Marzotto diving hard to keep it out (5').

A long, surging run and cross from Manya Makoski nearly unlocked the young Matilda defence, but the first goal remained up for grabs (12').   The US did manage to get the opening goal just after as a long floated ball into the box found the head of Wilson, who summarily slipped the ball past the Aussie 'keeper to an appreciative, boisterous roar from the pro-US crowd (0:1, 14').

The US continued to charge into attack, but the Aussies had their chances. A good ball from Amber Neilson set up Emma Davison for a long-range effort from 25 yards, and the shot had goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris beaten, but came back off the crossbar (35').

The fancied US were forced to be content with only a one-goal lead at the half, and the uneasy knowledge that they had a real fight on their hands.

Both sides came out flying in the second half, and blonde-headed Aussie rover Neilson was put clean through early in the second half, but her touch let her down as Harris came out to snuff out the danger (50').

The US fought back with style and panache, and a thunderous Wilson free kick from just outside the box was only just tipped over the bar by a sprawling Marzotto in the Aussie net (58').

The force of the US attack was such that even Australia's stingy defence was bound to give way, and give way it did. A beautifully lofted ball into the box from Heather O'Reilly was brilliantly chested down by Leslie Osborne, who rounded the Aussie 'keeper before poking simply into an open net (0:2, 74').

The US added two more goals in quick succession. A Wilson free kick from just outside the box beat the Aussie 'keeper to the near post (0:3, 79') and O'Reilly slipped her marker shortly thereafter and slotted the ball just beneath a despairing Marzotto (0:4, 81).

And after an enthralling 90 minutes of football, the US' dominance was confirmed, and brave Australia's bottle and class was on display for all in attendance, despite the unflattering scoreline.

American coach Tracey Leone was positive after the hard-earned result. "I am very pleased with the way we played. It was a tactically challenging game in a physically and psychologically demanding atmosphere. Both sides gritted it out and, and I think it was a great game."

Thursday 22 August 2002: Australia "benefit" from the toss of a coin
The Young Matildas are through to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U19 Women's World Championship, but had to wait for a drawing of lots by FIFA after today's scoreless draw against England meant the two teams were dead even in second place and could not be separated on points, goal difference, nor goals.

Australia's name was drawn out meaning they are deemed second in Group C and now play Brazil (who topped Group B today with a 4-0 win over France). Australia's quarterfinal will be played on Sunday (Australian time) in Vancouver.

England now have to wait for the results from other groups to see if they still advance to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams.

The Young Matildas become the first Australian female team to advance past the group stage of a FIFA event.

In the absence of Kate McShea, suspended following her send-off against USA, defender Thea Slatyer led the Young Matildas into today’s crucial clash as captain for the first time.

However, with so much at stake, the clash turned out to be a lacklustre affair overall. Both teams spent much of the game bogged down in a midfield tussle with only rare clear chances on goal.

Australian striker Hayley Crawford almost scored her third for the tournament in the 16th minute but her volley flew over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, a goalmouth scramble only resulted in England’s defence standing firm to deny the Young Matildas whilst their goalkeeper was down hurt. England also came close a couple of times before the break but with no reward.

The second half continued in much the same vein with few promising attacks. As time ticked on and the pressure rose, England’s dangerous striker Ellen Maggs was put through with a fantastic through ball, but Aussie goalkeeper Luisa Marzotto made a great diving save in the 79th minute.

Substitute Jessica Mitchell then almost became Australia’s hero with five minutes remaining, but her strike was met by the dive of keeper Toni-Anne Wayne and the ball bobbled agonisingly just wide of the post.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was elated after learning of Australia’s welcome fate, and said (as reported on the FIFA website), “We’re a minnow in world football. Our express goal was to advance to the second round. Drawing lots was FIFA’s decision, but I think we played well enough to win … as did England. This will be big news back home.”

Australia - Marzotto, Davison, Reuter, Slatyer [c], Muņoz, Neilson, Stocco (Canham 78), Harch, Kuralay, Cannuli (Mitchell 71), Crawford.

Sunday 25 August 2002: Brazillian Golden Goal ends Young Matidas brave run
The Young Matildas came from behind to force their quarterfinal against favourites Brazil into extra-time, but went down to a golden goal to end their mighty campaign in the inaugural FIFA U19 Women's World Championship today in Vancouver.

The underdog Australians pushed the classy Brazilians all the way to ensure the do-or-die clash became a thrilling encounter. Two goals down at half-time, Australia fought back to level with a half-hour remaining in normal time. In the end, the Young Matildas were enormously disheartened to lose to the extra-time goal.

Brazil responded to the samba beat booming out from the crowd of over 6,500, ninety percent of whom were their own supporters, with exquisite ball skills and amazing football. Their pace in attack caught Australia off guard early with a close chance after two minutes. Brazil then took the lead in the 4th minute, robbing the Aussie defence of the ball for sharpshooter Marta to drive home.

The Young Matildas were missing key attacker Amber Neilson from a head injury sustained in training the previous day. But they soon stamped their own signature on the match, powerful in defence and purposeful in attack. A foul on the edge of the box was to result in Australia’s equaliser in the 34th minute. Karla Reuter struck with a deft curling freekick beyond the reach of the Brazilian keeper for her first international goal.

It wasn’t long however before Brazil reclaimed the lead with a quickfire pair of goals before the break. Marta weaved her way past two defenders before slotting the ball for Kelly to convert in the 42nd minute. Marta then scored her second three minutes later, her magical touch and speed again getting the better of her opponents before thumping the ball into the back of the net.

Rather than hang their heads with the two-goal deficit, the Australians came out firing in the second half. Six minutes in, Hayley Crawford scored her third for the Championship with a fantastic 25-yard freekick.

The Young Matildas’ spirit and ability to take the game to their opponent was further rewarded in the 59th minute when they once again levelled the score. Striker Jessica Mitchell, awarded a starting berth for her speed, used that pace to get behind the Brazilian defence by whom she was brought down. Selin Kuralay confidently made the all-important penalty kick count.

Mitchell caused further headaches for the Brazilian backline five minutes later, but her shot was saved by the goalkeeper’s legs. Brazil hit back with two great chances in the final ten minutes of regulation time, but Australian keeper Luisa Marzotto heroically kept her team in the game, first brilliantly tipping a Cristiane curler over the bar, before saving a dangerous long-range strike from Daniela.

Brazil kept up their attacking intentions in extra-time with the brave Australians staving them off. Ten minutes in, captain Daniela stitched up the victory for the South Americans, her low drive squeezing under Marzotto, a tragic mistake from an otherwise top class performance in the Australian goal.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was full of praise for his team at the end of the dramatic and enthralling display. “The girls were so courageous to come back from 3-1 down to such a quality team. I can’t speak highly enough of the players’ commitment to the cause. We will hold our heads up high. It’s in a theatre such as this where character is built, and although we were defeated, this will stand these players in good stead for many years to come.

BRAZIL 4 (Marta 4m, 45m, Kelly 42m, Daniela 100m) defeated AUSTRALIA 3 (Karla Reuter 34m, Hayley Crawford 51m, Selin Kuralay 59m) after extra-time

Australia - Marzotto, McShea [c], Reuter, Slatyer, Muņoz, Davison, Stocco, Harch, Kuralay (Canham 66), Crawford, Mitchell (Cannuli 81).

Tuesday 27 August 2002: History-making team finish fifth in the world
Fresh from their history-making achievements at the inaugural FIFA U19 Women's World Championship, the proud Young Matildas return home tomorrow (Wed) morning from Vancouver where they went down to a top-class Brazil in extra-time of their quarterfinal on Sunday Australian time.

The Australians almost worked their way into the lofty heights of a semifinal berth after coming back and equalising from a two-goal deficit, but for a golden goal to Brazil ten minutes into extra time. For their efforts, Australia's final placing in the Championship will be fifth place, at the top of the losing quarterfinalists, and the highest finish of any Australian female side at a FIFA event.

Australia was widely considered little chance of making any significant mark on the 12-nation Championship upon their arrival into Canada at the beginning of the month, this assessment backed up by the fact that the team had enjoyed no quality international competition in their preparation until their game against Japan a week before the event.

The Young Matildas soon defied those judgements and people started talking about the Oceania champions as no pushover, particularly after they gave favourites USA a real fight before a trio of late goals gave the Americans a 4-0 victory.

National Women's Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was full of pride and praise for the team, but also stressed the importance of not getting too carried away with the result with the future success of the sport in mind.

"To be ranked fifth in the world at youth level is an achievement we should be very proud of but one we should not allow ourselves to become complacent with," said Mulvey. "The next youth world cup is in less than two years time and the planning for this campaign should be determined immediately. It should include regular camps and international games - this is vital if we are to continue to develop and produce players to ensure Australia becomes the world power we aspire to be in women's soccer."

He added, "Arriving in Canada, we were determined to represent our country with distinction and to be the best that we could be. To qualify for the quarterfinals and play the type of football and score the goals we did is a great credit to the players. We met our match in Brazil, but we knew that we gave everything we could in that final game and that is all you can ask of your players. That game will long live in the memory."

"It was always going to be difficult to make an impact at the World Cup but it is amazing what you can achieve with a positive approach and excellent attitude. The players were asked to learn quickly and to aim for the stars. Their response to every challenge has been magnificent. The overall experience gained by these young players is immeasurable. It is now up to them to kick on and push for a position in the Matildas' World Cup Squad next year in China."

Full Tournament Results

Group A
18-08-02 [5] Edmonton 16:00 Canada vs. Denmark 3:2 (1:0)
18-08-02 [6] Edmonton 18:15 Nigeria vs. Japan 1:1 (1:1)
20-08-02 [11] Edmonton 17:45 Denmark vs. Nigeria 2:1 (1:0)
20-08-02 [12] Edmonton 20:00 Japan vs. Canada 0:4 (0:2)
22-08-02 [17] Edmonton 17:45 Denmark vs. Japan 1:2 (1:0)
22-08-02 [18] Edmonton 20:00 Nigeria vs. Canada 0:2 (0:1)

Canada and Japan progress directly; Denmark as a best third-placed team.

Group B
17-08-02 [3] Vancouver 17:00 Germany vs. France 2:0 (1:0)
17-08-02 [4] Vancouver 19:30 Mexico vs. Brazil 3:5 (1:3)
19-08-02 [9] Vancouver 17:00 France vs. Mexico 2:1 (2:1)
19-08-02 [10] Vancouver 19:30 Brazil vs. Germany 1:0 (0:0)
21-08-02 [15] Vancouver 17:00 France vs. Brazil 0:4 (0:1)
21-08-02 [16] Vancouver 19:30 Mexico vs. Germany 1:3 (1:1)

Brazil and France progress.

Group C
17-08-02 [1] Victoria 13:00 United States vs. England 5:1 (3:0)
17-08-02 [2] Victoria 15:15 Chinese Taipei vs. Australia 1:5 (0:2)
19-08-02 [7] Victoria 17:00 England vs. Chinese Taipei 4:0 (2:0)
19-08-02 [8] Victoria 19:15 Australia vs. United States 0:4 (0:1)
21-08-02 [13] Victoria 17:00 England vs. Australia 0:0 (0:0)
21-08-02 [14] Victoria 19:15 Chinese Taipei vs. United States 0:6 (0:4)

USA and Australia progress directly, England as a best third-placed team. (Australia and England were even on overall points, so coin toss that went Australia’s way decided the second placed team.)

Quarter Finals
24-08-02 [19] Vancouver 19:00 Brazil vs. Australia 4:3 a.e.t. (3:3, 3:1)
25-08-02 [20] Victoria 19:00 United States vs. Denmark 6:0 (4:0)
25-08-02 [21] Edmonton 13:00 Canada vs. England 6:2 (3:0)
25-08-02 [22] Edmonton 15:45 Japan vs. Germany 1:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 1:0)

Semi Finals
29-08-02 [23] Edmonton 20:00 Brazil vs. Canada 1:1 a.e.t. (1:1, 0:1). 3:4 penalty shoot-out
29-08-02 [24] Edmonton 17:15 United States vs. Germany 4:1 (3:1)

Third Placed Game
01-09-02 [25] Edmonton 11:00 Brazil vs. Germany 1:1 (1:0). 3:4 penalty shoot-out

Final
01-09-02 [26] Edmonton 14:00 Canada vs. United States 0:1 a.e.t. (0:0)

FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Final
CANADA 0:1 UNITED STATES a.e.t.
A fiercely contested clash of old friends and neighbors Canada and the United States fell the Americans’ way in front of 47,784 screaming supporters at the final of the inaugural FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship. After a scoreless 90 minutes, US captain and standout Lindsay Tarpley struck 19 minutes into golden goal extra time to send the pre-tournament favourites into a well-earned frenzy.

The match began all tension and jangling nerves as the teams took turns feeling each other out. With the ball trapped primarily in the middle of the park, the opening minutes were a test of strength as each side tried to stamp a physical authority on the proceedings.

The midfield hustle and bustle finally gave way as an American defensive blunder allowed super striker Christine Sinclair to fire a shot from a tough angle just outside the right side of the box. Though the looping strike sailed just wide of Ashlyn Harris’ far post, the first chance of the match surely gave the slightly fancied US something to think about (19’).

As the Americans pressed and pressed to find a chink in the Canadian defensive armour they found themselves thwarted time and again by the best efforts of the hosts’ able rearguard.

Team Canada nearly laid claim to the lead as Katie Thorlakson broke in behind the US defence from the right. Her long, low cross fell to Amy Vermeulen at the far corner of the box, and her misplaced shot was nearly steered in by Thorlakson lurking at the back post (32’).

The US charged right back and Keeley Dowling nearly headed home from a corner as Canadian ‘keeper Erin McLeod misjudged the flight of the ball (35’).  Despite the half’s handful of clear chances, the sides remained tangled and scoreless as they headed into the locker room for the half.

The US came out flying as Heather O’Reilly broke free down the left flank and laid the ball into the path of Kelly Wilson charging in at the edge of the box. The rampaging American’s shot sailed only just over the bar to the relief of the rabidly pro-Canadian crowd (54’).

The hosts hit right back as a brilliant dummy from Sinclair set up Thorlakson from close range. US ‘keeper Harris dove brilliantly to her right to keep the score sheet clean (55’).

By far the best chance of the match came just moments later as Sinclair found Thorlakson yet again some four yards in front of goal all alone. The first-time shot beat Harris, but bounced off the wrong side of the post to a collective groan from the faithful (57’).

Both sides continued to pour on the pressure, and Canada looked good to grab the opener as a great turn and cross from Thorlakson found Sinclair racing in on goal. Jill Oakes did well to keep the striker extraordinaire at bay (75’).

Sinclair broke in clean on Harris at the death, but somehow managed to balloon the close-range chance over the bar, as barren regulation gave way to golden goal extra time (90’).

The two battling finalists continued to push against fatigue and nerves to find that elusive winner. And it was the US that managed to manufacture the winner as substitute Megan Kakadelas turned well and served in a low cross from the left. After a crucial deflection, US captain Tarpley leapt like a lynx to inflict the ultimate pain on the gracious hosts at the far post (0:2, 109’).

American coach Tracey Leone was in high spirits following the match. “Canada was an incredible opponent, as we knew they would be. It was an excellent battle and a great moment for women’s football. Canada played with an extra back, and we just tried to play our game and be patient.”

Team Canada coach Ian Bridge was also happy with his young squad and their incredible performance. “I am a little sad at the moment, but a second-place finish is a great achievement. This event has been wonderful for women’s football and we will just look forward and try to get better.”

FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship
USA wins inaugural FIFA Women's U-19 World Championship
What has happened in this country?
When 13 nations descended upon Uruguay in 1930 for an ambitious, unknown global footballing extravaganza, no one new exactly what to expect. Similarly, at the start of a new millennium with football firmly entrenched as the globe's game and the World Cup its biggest stage, twelve young teams representing each continent have converged on an alleged "non-football" nation with mixed expectations and doubts aplenty.

No one truly could have predicted what a sensational success was to transpire over the past two weeks in western Canada as three cities played host to the inaugural FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship.

FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter had some frank words about expectations and surprises on the eve of the final. "There was initial reluctance within FIFA about bringing the competition to a country more renowned for ice hockey and the traditional American sports, than football. That is why we are so overjoyed about the phenomenal and pleasantly surprising success we have all witnessed here in Canada."

After two weeks of fine football, all doubt was summarily put to rest after the final at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton was declared a total sellout, and nearly 50,000 football-frenzied supporters turned out to watch their beloved hosts do brave battle with favourites the United States.

FIFA's top executive commented again, "Many people wondered why we should have the final stages at such a large stadium, figuring it would remain half empty…but I am more than proud to say, there are no tickets left for the final…Mama mia!"

Humble, elegant, full of verve, and with a sharp point to prove to numerous nay sayers, each nation brought something different, yet equally crucial, to the inaugural global event that Team Canada coach Ian Bridge referred to as "a great moment for women's football," following a down-to-the-wire final defeat to the Americans.

Group A - in the picturesque environs of British Colombia's capital of Victoria - brought the tournament some of its biggest surprises in Oceania representatives Australia and European unknowns England. Few knew what to expect of the brave Aussies, but spurred by coach Mike Mulvey and adept at speedy, direct football they proved one of the more pleasant surprises, surging into the second round and grabbing what their boss referred to as "a little piece of history."

England too offered up a bit of panache as the overshadowed lasses fought for respect and a place in the quarter-finals on the character and sheer brilliance of diminutive number 10 Ellen Maggs who claimed "we'll turn a lot of heads back home if we do well."

Even minnows Chinese Taipei, though they couldn't manage a win or more than one goal, turned some heads on their own with a courageous, proud run through the group stage. Though the US seemed to steamroll over the competition out west, the gracious and impressive favourites always maintained a genuine sense of modesty.

Vancouver offered up the tournament's group of death with brilliant, soulful Brazil leading the charge. Germany fought tooth-and-nail to earn a spot in the knockout phase, while competitive France became the only squad with a win under their belt to be eliminated in the first round after earning three points from a victory over truculent, undisciplined - but highly entertaining - North American outfit Mexico.

Meanwhile Group C in Edmonton proved a spectacular round of football as powerful hosts Canada were made to earn their dessert against some of the more skillful sides in the competition. Clever, talented Nigeria, hyper-technical Japan and effective, direct European outfit Denmark did themselves proud in varying degrees.

In the end Christine Sinclair proved too hot to handle, and with five goals in a 6:2 win over England in the quarter-final, distinguished herself as the tournament's top finisher - eventually earning the golden shoe for most goals and also the golden ball for tournament MVP.

As the US proved gracious and able champions, each nation that trekked to Canada for what has proven a momentous, pivotal footballing moment can consider themselves true champions.

As goals tumbled out of the Northern sky and a new breed of football, and footballer, earned the respect of numerous doubters, President Blatter rhetorically asked on the eve of the tournament's end, "what has happened in this country?" His colleague and FIFA vice president Jack Warner surely came closest to nailing the answer as he spoke of Canada's "football miracle" of 2002.

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