MATCHDAY REVIEW: Some 3,500 enthusiastic fans enjoyed sunny spring weather and a fascinating first day at the 82nd Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup in Zurich, with FC Zurich and YB Bern leading the pack on the women’s side and Mainz 05 for the men.

In Women Group A, FC Zurich were the dominant force, picking up a pair of wins over FC Basel and Spanish side Valencia. Basel currently sit bottom of the group with no points, while Valencia and Wolfsburg have a win and a loss each and will face one another tomorrow in what is a virtual play-off for a semi-final spot.

There is a similar situation in Women Group B. BSC YB Women are already through to the final four after their two wins on the first day, while Grasshopper Club Zurich can no longer hope to join them. FC Rosengard and Olympique Lyon are level on points and will fight it out for the remaining semi-final berth tomorrow. 

Over on the men’s side, Mainz 05 won both of their Group A matches on the opening day and are through to the semis, with FC Zurich, just behind on four points, best placed to join them. A draw against the German side tomorrow would see them through to the last four. SL Benfica (1 point) need a win against host team Blue Stars while hoping that Mainz can do them a favour and beat FC Zurich.

In Men Group B, things could hardly be tighter. FC Basel and FK Austria both top the table on four points, with Valencia CF just behind on two. Grasshoppers are the only club out of the running after two defeats.

Thursday (26 May) will see the decisive last group games as well as the finals, with the latter to be broadcast LIVE on FIFA+.

Women  Group A: VfL Wolfsburg 0 – 2 CF Valencia  FC Basel 0 – 1 FC Zurich VfL Wolfsburg 1 – 0 FC Basel CF Valencia 3 – 4 FC Zurich  

Group B: Olympique Lyon 2 – 0 FC Rosengard  BSC Young Boys 2 – 0 Grasshopper Club Zurich  Olympique Lyon 3 – 4 BSC Young Boys  FC Rosengard 2 – 0 Grasshopper Club Zurich 

Men Group A: SL Benfica 0 – 1 Mainz 05  FC Zurich 2 – 0 Blue Stars SL Benfica 1 – 1 FC Zurich Mainz 05 5 – 1 Blue Stars 

Group B: Valencia CF 1 – 1 FK Austria FC Basel 2 – 1 Grasshopper Club Zurich Valencia CF 1 – 1 FC Basel FK Austria 5 – 2 Grasshopper Club Zurich

All the highlights of the day’s matches can be found HERE on FIFA+.

"We’ve had a great first day of the tournament with some really good football, excellent goals and a breath-taking atmosphere. The performances I saw today make me keen to see more, and we should be set for a wonderful finals day."  Pascal Zuberbuhler

"It’s an important tournament and that’s why it’s so nice to see it being played again. It’s an interesting event with interesting games that show how good youth football can be."  Murat Yakin (Swiss national coach)