Last update December 26, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989 marked a milestone in the history of youth football. Organized by FIFA, This tournament represented the first time that a Middle Eastern country hosted a competition of this caliber.. In its 8th edition, the championship left a moment for history, revealing new talents and consolidating the U-20 category as a key platform for the development of future stars of world football.
Context and organization of the U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989
The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue was a significant step to globalize football, bringing the U-20 World Cup to a region that until then had not been a protagonist in events of this magnitude. Disputed between 16 of February and 3 March 1989, The tournament was played in four cities: Riad, Dammam, Jeddah and Ta’if.
The event stood out for the quality of the facilities and organization, despite high temperatures and cultural differences that posed a challenge for both players and spectators. It was a sign of Saudi commitment to the development of football in the region.
Format and participants
The tournament featured 16 teams from all over the world, divided into four groups. The participating teams represented the best young talents of their respective confederations, from Europe and South America to Africa, Asia and Oceania. Among the notable teams were Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and the Soviet Union, usual favorites in this category.
The format consisted of a group stage, followed by quarterfinals, semi-finals and grand final. The top two in each group advanced to the knockout rounds., guaranteeing a high level of competence from the beginning.
Portugal: Historical and undisputed champion
Portugal with a golden generation with many illustrious names, was crowned champion of the tournament, reaffirming its hegemony in youth football. The team led by Carlos Queiroz stood out for its tactical solidity and brilliant attack. Led by players like Joao Pinto and Amaral, The Portuguese defeated the brave Nigerian team in the final by 2-0 a Riad.
The final, played at the King Fahd Stadium, It was a show of talent and organization, with Portugal imposing its rhythm and controlling the game from the start against more than 65.000 viewers. The Portuguese were the most reliable of the tournament and secured the first U-20 title for Portugal. Two years later the next one would come with another generation of gold in 1991.
Nigeria's leading role
Nigeria, tournament runner-up, became the great revelation. His performance was an example of the growth of African football that Cameroon would endorse a year later with its participation in Italy. 90. Characterized by a fast and physical style of play that complicated all the teams they faced and led by players like Mutiu Adepoju, Nigeria eliminated powers such as the Soviet Union and the United States on their way to the final.
The outstanding Nigerian performance laid the foundation for the future success of African teams in youth and senior tournaments.
The best player of the U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989
Bismarck Faria Barreto, brilliant Brazilian midfielder, stood out as the great figure of the tournament in Saudi Arabia when he was awarded the Golden Ball of the U-20 World Cup. This talented Vasco da Gama player left his mark not only for his elegance on the field, but also for his scoring ability, reflected in the three goals he scored during the competition. But nevertheless, What really set him apart was his ability to generate play and serve precise passes..
On several occasions, His impeccable assists allowed forwards like Marcelo Henrique and Sonny Anderson to shine.. Even though his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals, His individual performance was impeccable.
Back in Brazil, Bismarck continued to shine with Vasco da Gama, where he shared a team with figures like Bebeto. Later, in 1990, He was part of the Brazilian team that played in the FIFA World Cup in Italy. Three years later, He took his talent to Japan by joining Yomiuri Verdy, where he was elected best player of the championship, cementing his status as an international star.
Names that left their mark
The U-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia 1989 It served as a showcase for numerous talents who later shone in professional football.. In addition to the already mentioned Bismarck and Joao Pinto from Brazil and Portugal respectively, players like Mutiu Adepoju (Nigeria) Fernando Couto (Portugal), Cholo Simeone (Argentina) y Sonny Anderson (Brazil) They showed their class in the tournament.
Too oleg Salenko (Russia) which was the Golden Boot of the top scorer of the U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989 and that 5 years later, was also the USA World Cup Golden Boot 94.
The beginning of the globalization of football
The U-20 World Cup 1989 It was more than a football competition. It represented a bridge between cultures, bringing the beautiful game to a region that was beginning to integrate into the world football map. For Saudi Arabia, It was an opportunity to demonstrate their organizational capacity and promote football in the country and the region.
The tournament consolidated the U-20 World Cup as an essential platform to discover new soccer stars. Many of the players who shone in Saudi Arabia continued their careers in the world's main leagues and some of them, achieved great achievements.
