SUWON, South Korea: England won the Under-20 World Cup final beating Venezuela 1-0 on Sunday for its first global title since 1966.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the first half, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman preserved the lead by saving a second-half penalty from Adalberto Penaranda.
England arrived in South Korea without winning a game in this competition in 20 years, and leave as the surprising champion.
“We knew when we came to Korea that we had a chance if we played like we knew we could,” England coach Paul Simpson said. “It was a tough game and we had to work really hard.”
Venezuela, which has never qualified for the senior World Cup, had the first chance when Ronaldo Lucena’s free kick hit the post.
Calvert-Lewin broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the break. The forward beat a defender to a free kick from Lewis Cook, had his first shot saved by Venezuela keeper Wuilker Farinez but reacted quicker to the rebound.
England was composed in possession in the first half but guilty of giving the ball away in the second. Still, it almost extended its lead out of nowhere. Josh Onomah’s shot from well outside the area hit the crossbar before bouncing onto the goal-line and out.
With 17 minutes remaining, Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed to the spot after Jake Clarke-Salter took down Penaranda in the area. Woodman managed to palm the shot away while diving in the opposite direction.
“They played with their heart and dignity,” Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel said. “We were not able to give the country the joy it wanted but people will not forget these players.”
England beats Venezuela 1-0 to win U20 World Cup
England beats Venezuela 1-0 to win U20 World Cup
FIA signs cooperation agreement with Arab League
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says pact reflects commitment to deliver practical solutions for mobility, tourism and regional cooperation
DUBAI: The FIA, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, has signed an agreement with the Arab League to strengthen cooperation across transport, tourism, sport, and regional policy.
The aim of the pact is to improve cross-border movement through internationally recognized travel and transport documents, including the Carnet de Passages en Douane system for the temporary admission of vehicles, and the International Driving Permit.
Both play an important role in facilitating travel, trade, and tourism, supporting greater regional integration, according to a recent press release from the organization.
FIA Member Clubs are trusted issuers of CPDs and International Driving Permits, working closely with national authorities and international frameworks.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA’s president, said: “This memorandum reflects the FIA’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver practical solutions that support mobility, tourism and regional cooperation.
“By strengthening collaboration with the League of Arab States, we are reinforcing the role of our FIA Member Clubs as trusted partners in facilitating cross-border movement and contributing to economic integration across the region.”
Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary-general and head of the economic affairs sector of the Arab League, said: “The LAS General Secretariat places great importance on building partnerships with international and regional organizations in this vital sector in all its forms.
“The FIA is a leading international organization active in transport, tourism, road safety and motorsport for development, and includes national clubs from a number of Arab countries among its members.”
Essa Hamza, chair of the FIA MENA Council, added: “This partnership delivers a platform to advance regional connectivity. Together we are strengthening tourism and cross-border travel, creating a real impact for people and institutions across the Arab world.”
Signed at the league’s general secretariat in Cairo, the agreement builds a framework for practical collaboration and knowledge sharing, the press release stated.
