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Hiddink: "Youth is future"
3/7/2011
Hiddink: "Youth is future"
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Speaking to Turkish Football Federation (TFF)'s official website tff.org, Turkey Head Coach Guus Hiddink commented on FIFA's decision to award Turkey for the hosting of 2013 U-20 World Cup. "Youth is future. Turkey's successful bid to host the tournament will encourage all clubs to focus on their youth infrastructure and improving the education of young players" Hiddink said.

"It is the second biggest FIFA event after the World Cup. All the world will focus on future stars for a month, while Turkish fans are going to have the privilige of watching the promising youngsters from the stands" he added.  

Hiddink emphasized the tournament was a big opportunity for Turkey by saying: "Now I believe all clubs will attach extra attention to their youth infrastructure and the education of their young players."

I had watched the U-20 World Cup when it was hosted by the Netherlands in 2005. Lionel Messi had the opportunity to present himself on the international stage for the first time there. Besides him, now players who are currently playing in the big leagues in Europe, were then in the squads of their national teams. Such as Cesc Fabregas, Raul Albiol, Fernando Llorente, David Silva from Spain, Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and Ibrahim Afellay from the Netherlands. Current Turkish internationals Burak Yılmaz and Selçuk Inan were also members of Turkey squad at that time. 

Now the Turkish players who were born after 1993 will have the chance to prove their qualities on the international stage in the 2013 editon of the event. This will be a big test for them" Hiddink said.

"When I had examined Turkey's EURO 2016 bid dossier, I was widely impressed by the quality of stadium and facility plans. Despite the successful bid, Turkey were not awarded to host the event. Nevertheless, it explicitly proved Turkey's capability of organising such a big tournament. I believe, The U-20 World Cup will form a solid foundation for the country's EURO 2020 candidacy. Who knows maybe some day such a big football country would host the World Cup some day. Let's dream about it. Because Turkey have the potential to do so" he continued.

"I know that TFF president Mahmut Özgener, TFF honorary president Şenes Erzik and first vice-president Lutfi Arıboğan put a lot of efforts to win the bid. Therefore I would like thank and congratulate them for this success" Hiddink concluded.
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