Friendly Tournament U20. National Teams. Women
The Friendly Tournament U20 for women's national teams features unofficial matches where young players from countries worldwide test their mettle. It's a vital testing ground for tactics, skill refinement, and gearing up for FIFA and UEFA youth championships, spotlighting emerging talents without the weight of official standings.
History and foundation
These tournaments trace back to the 1990s as women's soccer gained traction. The first noted U20 friendly was in 1997 between USA and China, paving the way for global youth events. In the 2000s, FIFA ran trial series in Europe and Asia, unearthing stars like Alex Morgan (USA) and Sara Däbritz (Germany). A highlight was Brazil's 8-0 thrashing of Argentina in 2014, showcasing samba flair. Post-2018, with pandemic disruptions, these games surged to keep teams sharp. Fun fact: In 2022, Norway's U20 edged Sweden on penalties after 2-2, a breakthrough for Scandinavian women's soccer.
Tournament format
Format is adaptable: typically 4–8 teams in groups of 2–4, with 90-minute matches. Playoffs or round-robin possible. Held on neutral venues during off-seasons, emphasizing squad rotation. No transfer rules—focus on homegrown U20 talent. VAR is minimal, highlighting its developmental focus.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 3.5, fueled by youthful aggression. Top scorers include Brazil's Gabriela Jansen with hat-tricks in 2019 and Japan's Hana Takeuchi's 12 goals in 2021. Standouts who've shone here: Sam Kerr (Australia, 2012 debut), Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, 2023 winner vs. France). These fixtures feed 40% of WSL and NWSL rosters.