In about two hour time the 71st edition of the Otten Cup, the oldest youth football tournament of the Netherlands, will kick off. The highest youth teams of top international clubs, will entertain the public this weekend.
The tournament will start with the first match in group A between debutants Internazionale and two time winner Borussia Mönchengladbach. Both teams will do everything to get a great kickstart of their tournament. Especially the Germans want to win, as in ten earlier participations they only won two of their opening matches.
The second match of group A is a cracker between last years finalist Manchester United and the finalist of 2008 Cruziero EC. In two earlier participations Cruzeiro EC failed to win the first match (a loss and a draw against FC Twente) and Manchester United lost to hosts PSV on their debut last year.
An exciting match between Argentinian powerhouse (and debutant) Estudiantes de la Plata and titleholders RSC Anderlecht is the third match of the day. Nearly 50% of the time the title defenders manage to win their tournament opener. RSC Anderlecht even managed to win three of their last four.
At 7PM the hosts PSV will kick off their tournament. Their opponent is French giant Paris St. Germain, who participate fort he fourth time. Both teams met twice in the Otten Cup history. Back in 1987 PSV thrashed the French 4-0. Two years ago both teams met in the semi final. After full time the score was 1-1, so penalty kicks were to be the decider. Hosts PSV did this a little better winning 4-3, before beating FC Barcelona in the final 4-0. Paris St. Germain is yet to win a tournament opener, but this provides no guarantees for the hosts, who will have to give it their best.
Everyone that enjoys the best youth football has to offer, is very much welcome at the Herdgang for three days of entertainment.