[eainterplay]

Which group is the most talented? Imo, group A (Argentina, Australia, Ivory Coast, and Serbia) has the most talent at the top, whil B is the deepest as all 4 teams are high quality (Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, and USA). Group C (Beligum, Brazil, China, New Zealand) is the one that stands out as the group that is far inferior to the other 3.

[VCFan]

Originally Posted by eainterplay

Which group is the most talented? Imo, group A (Argentina, Australia, Ivory Coast, and Serbia) has the most talent at the top, whil B is the deepest as all 4 teams are high quality (Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, and USA). Group C (Beligum, Brazil, China, New Zealand) is the one that stands out as the group that is far inferior to the other 3.

Nice analysis. I would place Group D as somewhat of a mix between all 3, because it has great talent, some high quality teams, and some that are slightly inferior (not decidedly though... anything can happen at the youth level).

[Volrath]

Why does Brazil ALWAYS get the easy draw? I mean just look at that group...

[soccerislife7]

Originally Posted by Volrath

Why does Brazil ALWAYS get the easy draw? I mean just look at that group...

True, but I bet that China wants to win the Olymics more than the World Cup to beat us in the medal count.

[tomwilhelm]

Originally Posted by soccerislife7

True, but I bet that China wants to win the Olymics more than the World Cup to beat us in the medal count.

If wishes were Yuan...

[johan neeskens]

Originally Posted by eainterplay

Which group is the most talented? Imo, group A (Argentina, Australia, Ivory Coast, and Serbia) has the most talent at the top, whil B is the deepest as all 4 teams are high quality (Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, and USA). Group C (Beligum, Brazil, China, New Zealand) is the one that stands out as the group that is far inferior to the other 3.

To be honest I've absolutely no feckin clue how good the Chinese, Brazilian, New Zealand etc under 21s are. I can only comment on the Europeans (and I suspect that other posters too can only comment on youngsters in their region, I mean I don't know where you all live but I personally can't remember the last time I saw a China under 21 v New Zealand under 21 game televised live in the Netherlands).

I do know that this generation of Dutch youngsters has above average talent and, more importantly, a winner's mentality. They've beaten a good number of sides that were rated more highly than them over the past three years thanks to that mentality. Belgium when complete are a quality side and could've been the surprise of the tournament were it not for the fact that a good number of their key players are forced to stay at home by their clubs as they play in CL qualifying (which starts even before the olympic tournament). I'm right aren't I, BG?

[eainterplay]

To say this generation of Dutch youngsters have above average talent is a serious understatement.

[johan neeskens]

Originally Posted by eainterplay

To say this generation of Dutch youngsters have above average talent is a serious understatement.

I disagree. We've had better generations of players but they never won a youth tournament. The one difference this generation makes is on the mental level. They're real winners.

[argentine soccer fan]

Originally Posted by johan neeskens

To be honest I've absolutely no feckin clue how good the Chinese, Brazilian, New Zealand etc under 21s are. I can only comment on the Europeans...

How good are Serbia's under 21 players?

[johan neeskens]

Originally Posted by argentine soccer fan

How good are Serbia's under 21 players?

Well the Dutch under 21s beat them 4-1 in the under 21 European champs final as you know, but from what I remember of it, that scoreline was a bit flattering for the Dutch. The first half was highly entertaining with two equally strong and attacking sides. Again if I remember correctly they had a man sent off after Holland scored their first goal in the second half and it was all over for them.