FIFA U-17 World Cup: India in tough group, face USA in opener

Mumbai: India will play USA in their first match of the Fifa Under -17 World Cup at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on the opening day of the first ever mega football event in the country. Hosts India (A1) on Friday were drawn in Group A alongside USA (A2), Colombia (A3), two-time champions Ghana (A4).

Colombia and Ghana will also play on the same day. India meet Colombia on October 9 and Ghana on October 12.

Despite the tough group, India U-17 coach Luis Norton de Matos said they would fight in every game. “We accept the draw. Every team is tough but nothing is impossible.

“We are not favourites but even if we have a 10-15 percent chances of winning, we will fight it out till the end. Of course results are important, but we want to showcase that these boys can play good football. The boys are enthusiastic and not afraid which is a very good sign.

“We first meet USA, who are very experienced as they have missed U-17 World Cup only once. Colombia are a strong South American side and are always in the top 4 in their continent alongside Brazil and Argentina. Ghana have a tradition and along with Mali, are the best African team in the competition,” Martos who joined the team in March said.

“Now we know our opponents we can see their videos, show all little things and do analytical work to start the tournament well,” he added.

A total of 24 teams in six groups spread between New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Goa, Guwahati, Kolkata and Kochi will be in action over the 22 day long tournament during which a total of 52 matches will be played.

All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said, “India’s exciting journey has begun. We have expressed interest to host the U-20 Cup that will turn into a bid. We want to qualify for the senior World Cup and a 96 Fifa ranking isn’t enough, the Mission 11 Million is important.”

“It is massive, the boys are confident, I talked to them, they didn’t worry about which group they will be in and whom they will play. We want to be the best hosts,” India senior captain Sunil Chhetri said about the U-17 team.

Badminton star P.V. Sindhu wished them the best of luck. “It will be good experience for the team,” she said.