The U.S. Under-19 Women's National Team will face Spain in the opening round of the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship after the Spaniards pulled off a shocking win in the championship game of the 2004 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, defeating overwhelming favorite Germany by a 2-1 score.
Germany had advanced to the final by scoring 23 unanswered goals, including a 7-0 win over Spain in the opening round and an 8-0 win over Russia in the semifinals, making the final result even more improbable. Even more amazing was that Germany started the same 11 players for the final as they did in the four previous matches.
The USA was drawn into Group C at the 2004 U-19 FIFA World Championship in Thailand along with South Korea, the third place finisher in Europe (Russia, which was determined by a draw between semifinal losers Russia and Italy) and the Europe champion (Spain).
The USA will open the tournament on Nov. 11, the second day of the competition, facing South Korea at 5 p.m. local (5 a.m. ET). The USA then faces Russia on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. local (5 a.m.) and finishes Group C play on Nov. 18 against Spain at 7:45 p.m. local (7:45 a.m. ET).
While the USA's group is shaping up to be the most difficult, Group A, featuring host Thailand, Germany, Australia and Canada, and Group B, featuring the African champion, China, Italy and Brazil, will also be highly competitive.
In the Euro final, Jade scored the first goal against Germany in the tournament in the 29th minute. Germany's captain Annike Krahn equalized right before halftime, but Iraia scored the winner in the 52nd minute. The 2004 FIFA U-19 World Championship will be held November 10-27, and the USA will play all of its first round matches in Phuket, an island in the southwest part of the country.
U-19 WNT Schedule – FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship
Date Opponent Kickoff (ET)
Nov. 11 South Korea 5 a.m.
Nov. 14 Russia / Italy 5 a.m.
Nov. 18 Spain 7:45 a.m.
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