The DFB started planning the U19 European Championship back in December 2011. A number of ideas came to fruition and almost five years later, a successful tournament has been held. The final takes place in Sinsheim this evening (20:30 CEST). Ahead of the showpiece event, DFB.de spoke to tournament director Dr. Kyung-Yiub Lee.
DFB.de: Dr. Lee, the final is just hours away. What have you made of the tournament so far?
Dr. Kyung-Yiub Lee: I’m feeling joyful, impressed and proud heading into the last match. The organisation team have done an excellent job. Today’s game is the icing on the cake. Everyone involved in the behind the scenes work is looking forward to the match.
DFB.de: A number of records have been broken during the event. Was that one of your aims?
Dr. Lee: We wanted it to be the biggest tournament to date. Some people may have thought that was crazy, but we’ve always had a clear plan. We knew that we’d done well ahead of the tournament. A total of 162,972 fans will have seen the games, with the opener and the final selling out. Stadiums have been at least 60% full for the games, which is incredible when you consider the level of football and the stadiums used. We wanted lots of kids to go in order to draw them to football and that has helped create an incredible atmosphere.
DFB.de: What special events should fans look for tonight?
Dr. Lee: There will be things going on around the stadium; the partners and sponsors have helped put things on. There will also be a closing ceremony ahead of kick off and another choreo, as well as the trophy presentation. There is a lot going on, for sure.
DFB.de: When the final whistle goes tonight, the tournament is over. Does that mark the end of your involvement?
Dr. Lee: The tournament officially ends tonight but internally we have to analyse it and do some documentation. Of course, there also other projects and games going on, so I’ll still have things to do!
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The DFB started planning the U19 European Championship back in December 2011. A number of ideas came to fruition and almost five years later, a successful tournament has been held. The final takes place in Sinsheim this evening (20:30 CEST). Ahead of the showpiece event, DFB.de spoke to tournament director Dr. Kyung-Yiub Lee.
DFB.de: Dr. Lee, the final is just hours away. What have you made of the tournament so far?
Dr. Kyung-Yiub Lee: I’m feeling joyful, impressed and proud heading into the last match. The organisation team have done an excellent job. Today’s game is the icing on the cake. Everyone involved in the behind the scenes work is looking forward to the match.
DFB.de: A number of records have been broken during the event. Was that one of your aims?
Dr. Lee: We wanted it to be the biggest tournament to date. Some people may have thought that was crazy, but we’ve always had a clear plan. We knew that we’d done well ahead of the tournament. A total of 162,972 fans will have seen the games, with the opener and the final selling out. Stadiums have been at least 60% full for the games, which is incredible when you consider the level of football and the stadiums used. We wanted lots of kids to go in order to draw them to football and that has helped create an incredible atmosphere.
DFB.de: What special events should fans look for tonight?
Dr. Lee: There will be things going on around the stadium; the partners and sponsors have helped put things on. There will also be a closing ceremony ahead of kick off and another choreo, as well as the trophy presentation. There is a lot going on, for sure.
DFB.de: When the final whistle goes tonight, the tournament is over. Does that mark the end of your involvement?
Dr. Lee: The tournament officially ends tonight but internally we have to analyse it and do some documentation. Of course, there also other projects and games going on, so I’ll still have things to do!
