Representational image. Getty ImagesKochi has caused envy among the other five venues of the FIFA U-17 World Cup by bagging the rights to host the biggest tie of the preliminary round, or possibly the entire tournament, between Brazil and Spain, at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor on Saturday.
With just two days left for the biennial championship to kickoff, let’s take a look at the ten most anticipated clashes in the group stage in which 24 teams drawn in six groups will play three matches each. The top two teams of each group and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.
India vs USA
Date: October 6; Time: 8 pm; Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
A bunch of youngsters will be making history for Indian football when they take on the mighty USA at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi to mark the country’s maiden tryst with FIFA competition finals.
The Indian colts are expected to put up a decent performance as they will be cheered deliriously by a packed partisan crowd. Moreover, playing on home soil will certainly give them that extra confidence and energy. As far as the Indians are concerned, the final result of this historic match will be merely of technical interest.
Germany vs Costa Rica
Date: October 7; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa.
Sparks are expected to fly when Germany, representing Europe, and Costa Rica from the CONCACAF, lock horns in the first match of Group C. The result of this match might decide who would top the group.
Iraq vs Mexico
Date: October 8; Time: 8 pm; Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
The second match of Group F is going to be a mouthwatering affair with two-time champions Mexico and Asian heavyweights Iraq looking to advance to the next round. It will be crucial for both teams to grab full points to brighten their chances to go past the group stage. The other teams drawn in the group are the mighty England and dark horses Chile.
Iran vs Germany
Date: October 10; Time: 8 pm; Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa.
Germans are among the favorites to win the U-17 title while Iran possess the grit and fighting spirit to upset any team on their day. The German colts, mostly products of youth academies, will be coming to India with a strong desire to cinch the elusive title while Iran’s strengths are their adaptability, flexibility and perseverance.
Turkey vs Paraguay
Date: October 12; Time: 5 pm; Venue: D.Y. Patil Stadium, Mumbai.
Turkey booked their ticket to the prestigious tournament by dashing the hopes of some of the traditional football powerhouses in Europe. Paraguay will be eager to show their Latin American football prowess in the absence of Argentina. Keen battles are on the cards in Group B which also features Mali and New Zealand.
Brazil vs Spain
Date: October 7; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
The opening match of Group D is expected to have all the ingredients of a thriller. In fact, Kochi should consider itself incredibly lucky to host an encounter of this stature. The general feeling is that the winners of this match would top the group.
Chile vs England
Date: October 8; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
Group F is arguably the toughest group of this year’s tournament. The match between Chile and England will be a contest of contrasting styles. They will not be ready to accept anything less than a victory in order to come out alive of the 'Group of Death'. It will not be surprising if many of these youngsters break into their respective senior teams in the near future.
Ghana vs USA
Date: October 9; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
African teams have an impressive record in junior world cups. In the absence of defending champions Nigeria, Ghana, champions in 1991 and 1995, will be carrying the expectations of an entire continent. The USA, who have participated in fifteen out of the sixteen U-17 World Cups held so far, will be coming with a clear game plan to quell the challenge of the Africans.
England vs Mexico
Date: October 11; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
The England-Mexico tie in Group F is going to be a cracker of a game. The tempo should be high as both the teams play a beautiful, adventurous brand of attacking football. Spectacular tackles and stunning set pieces will add some additional spice to this mouthwatering encounter.
France vs Honduras
Date: October 14; Time: 5 pm; Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati.
This final match of Group E will be a battle for supremacy between teams representing two different continents. Despite being a football powerhouse, France, who have appeared only in five of the 16 editions of the U-17 World Cup to date, have failed to achieve anything significant in the championship. Honduras, representing the central American CONCACAF region, will be a tough nut to crack for the fancied French side.
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