History Of The 1987 FIFA U-16 World Cup: Soviet Union And Shin Tae-Yong

The U-16 Soviet Team emerged as champions at the 1986 FIFA U-16 World Cup. (FIFA)

JAKARTA - The young Shin Tae-yong who defended the South Korean national team U-16 at the 1987 World Cup U-16 Canada. However, Shin Tae-yong is now training Indonesia to bring South Korea to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union, which is now Russia, has emerged as champions.

Generation 1970 is the backbone of the team competing in the 1987 U-16 World Cup in Canada. This junior world championship was attended by 16 teams held in four cities, Toronto, Montreal, Saint John, St. John's on July 12-25, 1987.

Defending Nigerian champions with player material who are definitely different will return to compete with other African representatives, Ivory Coast, and Egypt. From Asia, apart from South Korea, there are Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The elite teams at senior levels such as Brazil, Italy, France took part. Including Russia, which was then known as the Soviet Union.

South Korea and Qatar became two Asian teams that qualified for the knockout round. South Korea in Group B skyrocketed with young Shin Tae-yong.

The Indonesian national team coach saved South from defeat in the first match against Ivory Coast. He scored a goal that equalized the score to 1-1.

In the second match, they lost 1-0 to Ecuador. But in the last match which was the decision, South Korea beat the United States 4-2. Shin Tae-yong again showed off his skills by contributing one goal.

They also stepped into the quarter-finals to face Italy. This time, Sin Tae-yong et al's journey was finally stopped because they were forced to surrender 2-0.

But Italy also did not move in the semifinals. Nigeria, which beat Italy with a narrow score of 1-0.

Even though it has reached the final, Nigeria hopes to defend the title of unsampled champion. The Soviet Union or Russia, who emerged as champions after defeating Nigeria 4-2 (1-1) through a penalty shootout in the final match.

The final match was a repeat because the two teams had actually met in Group D. As a result, they drew 1-1. Soviets then emerged as group winners after slaughtering Mexico 7-0 and then beating Bolivia 4-2.

The brilliant performance of the Soviets made them superior. Moreover, the team has indeed made very good preparations. This makes the Soviet physique and mentality look better than other teams.

Not only that, the Soviet game was considered surprising. They played offensive football very nicely but did not forget the defense. In the central Soviet sector, they relied on playmakers Anatoli Mushinka and Mirdajail Kasymov.

After passing the group stage, the Soviets met France and managed to win 3-2. In the semifinals, the Soviets finished Ivory Coast 5-1.

Unexpected victory because Ivory Coast is predicted to put up a tight fight. Moreover, they have a top scorer Moussa Traore.

The 1986 U-17 World Cup actually gave birth to many stars. Some of them did shine at a young age but then drowned and played more in the media clubs.

However, there are also those who continue to grow into the elite ranks at senior levels such as Emmanuel Petit (France), Gianluca Pessotto (Italy) and Sonny Anderson (Brazil).

Interestingly, South Korean players on average achieved success at the senior level. Nearly half of the players continue to play in the senior national team, including Shin Tae-yong. They also play in elite clubs in the South Korean League.