UEFA's six representatives confirmed for FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013

Abu Dhabi, May 22, 2013 (WAM) - The final six European nations have booked their tickets to the FIFA Under 17 World Cup UAE 2013, after the UEFA European Under-17 Championships came to a dramatic finish in Slovakia last week, it was announced yesterday. The qualifying teams are: Italy, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Austria and Croatia. The FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 takes place every two years and is one of the biggest international football events in the world. UEFA European Under-17 Championship hosts Slovakia, alongside Russia, will make their first appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup as an independent nation, while Sweden makes history with its first appearance in the tournament, according to a press release issued by FIFA. Italy booked its place after defeating Ukraine 2 - 1, finishing four points behind Russia in Group B. The Italians will be making their seventh appearance in this year's tournament in the UAE. The last two places were clinched by Austria and Croatia after the end of the group stage of this year's Championship. Switzerland and Ukraine missed out on the opportunity to compete in the UAE after failing to make it to the finals. In the final episode of European rivalry that took place in Slovakia last Friday, the Russian team was crowned U-17 European Champions after a hard-fought win over Italy. Both teams were fiercely defending their goals and working their best to score throughout the game, but the match ended with a clean sheet, so the winners were determined by penalty shoot-outs, where the Italians eventually lost out. With the conclusion of the UEFA Championship, the full line-up of the 24 teams from six confederations is now complete for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Official Draw, to be held in Abu Dhabi on 26th August, which will then determine the groupings and initial match-ups. This year's competition is expected to be the largest football event ever held in the UAE. Running from 17th October - 8th November, a total of 52 matches will be played over a three week period in six of the UAE's top stadiums - Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Stadium in Fujairah, Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah, Rashid Stadium in Dubai and Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain. – Emirates News Agency, WAM