Despite the host nation's disappointing show in the U-20 FIFA World Cup, Egypt 2009 has been an event to remember for many reasons. The success of the tournament is symbolized by two new records, set to demonstrate that the absence of big names has anything but blurred the event. "In many ways, this has been a record-breaking tournament and one of surprises," FIFA vice-president Jack A. Warner said ahead of the final between Ghana and Brazil. "This event has produced excellent, exciting football which the fans have been happy to watch. It seems to have been a tradition in tournaments of this kind." A total of 167 goals in 52 matches smashed Malaysia 1997's record by a couple of goals, with an outstanding average of 3.21 goals per game. Only one team had failed to find the net in Egypt 2009, Oceanic minnows Tahiti; a team that conceded 21 goals in three games in Group B. Another new record that thoroughly reflects the success of any tournament is the total attendance of 1,295, 586 supporters, by far surpassing Canada 2007 record of 1,195,239. An interesting feat for the Dark Continent must be Ghana's sensational triumph in Cairo. The Black Satellites became the first team from Africa to clinch the title on the mother continent, not to mention claiming their first-ever U-20 World Cup. Official Stats and Analysis Winner: Ghana An unbelievable campaign by Sellas Tetteh's boys saw them march on to the final before showing their class against the mighty Brazil, having played over 80 minutes with a man down. Runners-Up: Brazil Entertaining as usual throughout the competition, but the Selecao couldn't bring home their fifth title after being edged on penalties by a ten-man Ghana side. Golden Ball and Golden Shoe: Dominic Adiyiah (Ghana)
Adiyiah: Up-and-coming star An extraordinary display by the clinical striker earned him the rare achievement of becoming the tournament's best player as well as finishing on top of the scoring charts. Hitting eight goals in seven games to steer his country to gold, Adiyiah managed to resemble a record only set by Argentine stars Javier Saviola, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero. "I'm not going to rest on this. I'm following in the footsteps of the likes of Messi, Saviola and Aguero and I want to emulate their careers - and I'll work hard to do that. I'm preparing to get to the top," said Adiyiah. Golden Glove: Esteban Alvarado (Costa Rica) Despite the shootout heroics of Hungary's Peter Gulasci, Alvarado deserved to be the competition's top keeper thanks to a myriad of crucial saves in Egypt 2009. The commanding shot-stopper was pivotal in helping outsiders Costa Rica finish fourth (best-ever position), which included ousting Egypt from the last 16. FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil Top Scorers: Adiyiah (Ghana): 8 goals Vladimir Koman (Hungary): 5 goals Total Goals: 167 Yellow Cards: 281 Red Cards: 15 straight +14 second yellow Total Attendance: 1,295,586 Average Attendance: 24,915
