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June Newsletter 

Competing countries learn their fate 

Teams participating in the first ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup learned their fate during a spectacular draw ceremony held in Wellington last weekend. As hosts and top seeds in Group A, New Zealand avoided heavyweights Germany and Brazil but still face daunting tests against South American champions Colombia and Denmark.

u17_draw300Colombia has emerged as one of the early favourites along with Germany and Korea DPR – all three having won their respective qualifying tournaments. Germany and Korea DPR have been drawn in Group B which has been touted the hardest of the four groups.

A degree of mystery remains about the tournament with five names missing from those pulled from the hat. Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria are still battling for the two CAF spots (Africa) while the qualifying competition for CONCACAF (North/Central America) will be completed in July.

With USA clear favourites for the CONCACAF tournament it looks likely that New Zealand will line up against Canada or Mexico at North Harbour Stadium on opening night.        
                                                    
“We wait with baited breath,” Young Football Ferns head coach Paul Temple said. “It [CONCACAF] is a traditionally a very strong region in women’s football so whoever comes out of July’s qualifying will be tough”

blazer_fisher_rufer2_300Highlighting Denmark as the early favourites in a “tough but exciting” pool, Temple said the smorgasbord of footballing cultures offered plenty for fans. 

“There’s a variety of footballing styles – European, South American and North American – so it’s very exciting for us and the football public.

"Denmark are always strong but Colombia topped their qualifying group ahead of Argentina and Brazil so they shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Te Papa rolled out the red carpet for FIFA dignitaries including Chuck Blazer, Chairman of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Committee. Also in attendance was New Zealand Governor-General the Hon Anand Satyanand. Wellingtonians will argue they got the pick of the draw with a group including Brazil, England, Korea Republic and Africa’s top  qualifier. New Zealand’s final group game against Colombia is also in Wellington on Nov 4.

Meanwhile Christchurch will witness two title contenders in Germany and North Korea. If USA tops North American qualifiers as expected they will be hosted in Hamilton along with Japan, France, and Paraguay in an eclectic Group C.

See details of the full draw below.

Draw

For all the latest reaction to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup draw visitFIFA