Thailand retained their crown in the seventh edition of the FC Bayern Youth Cup. The holders beat Singapore 2-0 in the final, demonstrating their class once again. The US beat hosts Germany 3-0 in the third place play-off. Thailand were honoured by world champion and FC Bayern legend Klaus Augenthaler after the tournament.
Around 3,000 spectators at the Allianz Arena saw a total of ten teams from nine countries fight for the FC Bayern Youth Cup title. In two groups, five teams played each other in a round-robin format. After 20 often enthralling and exciting matches four teams advanced to the semi-finals. Germany won Group A ahead of the US, Thailand and Singapore qualifying for the semi-finals in Group B.
The other teams contested placement matches according to their results. Thailand beat Germany 2-0, whereas Singapore won 2-1 against the US in the last four. Holders Thailand, who turned in outstanding performances over the whole tournament, won the all-Asian final against Singapore. Thailand's Tanasorn Janthrakhot finished top scorer, with Singapore's Bin Juraimi elected Most Valuable Player.
Diverse supporting programme
Taken altogether, all participants had reason to feel as winners after a great tournament, returning home with many positive experiences. Over the past five days the youngsters have overcome language barriers to make lots of new friendships, train and celebrate together. Especially the teams from Colombia, Nigeria and Poland, who participated in the FC Bayern Youth Cup for the first time, travel back home with lasting experiences galore.
The teams travelled to Munich on Wednesday, FC Bayern youth coaches preparing them for Sunday's world final. The teams, featuring players from 14 to 16 years, exercised both at the Säbener Strasse and, for the first time, at the FC Bayern Campus in the north of Munich.
Besides the preparations for the tournament, the young talents enjoyed a diverse supporting programme during their stay in the Bavarian capital. The programme included a sightseeing tour, team building sessions, an intercultural evening, a freestyle challenge at Marienplatz plus a Meet & Greet with James and Robert Lewandowski. The undoubted highlight was a visit to the Allianz Arena to watch FC Bayern take on VfB Stuttgart in the final home match, including the subsequent championship celebrations.
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