Kolkata: The Yuba Bharati Krirangan will roar in upright when hot favourites England take on the unpredictable Chile in the first match of Group F at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The present English U-17 boys created history recently, when they became the first English team to win a major trophy in international football since the world Cup in 1966.
It was on January 27, 2016 that the YBK stadium last hosted an official game, an AFC Champions League qualifier between Mohun Bagan and Tampines Rovers of Singapore. One year and eight months since then and international football finally returns to the football frenzy fans of Kolkata and nothing can be better than hosting the summit clash between England and Chile in it’s first match after 620 days.
The Three Lions will look to continue with what Steve Cooper called” a massively successful summer” that culminated in the U-17 Euro where they almost beat Spain in the final, before losing in penalties. Jadon Sancho and Alex Gomes who created little bit of history recently, one becoming the first player born in the 21st century to play in the EPL, while the other joined Borussia Dortmund for £8 million and will be the main men for the Steve Cooper led side.
The have already shown their class in a 3-2 defeat of New Zealand in the practice game and as coach Steve said, “This under-17 World Cup is all about bringing our identity and help us achieve the target in the long term, which is winning the senior World Cup.”
Their opponent on Sunday however will commands respect, having finished as runners-up in the U-17 South American Championships Chile has pointed out once again why they can it be taken lightly.
Drawing inspiration from the ‘big team’ (Chile senior team), La Rojita will look to repeat their senior teams’ performance in FIFA tournaments.
“The senior national team is like a mirror for us to reflect,” said striker Antonio Diaz.
Both the teams are aiming for their first U-17 World Cup title and while England have never crossed the quarter-finals, Chile made it to the third place in 1993. Pressure will however be on the star studded English line-up, with the huge expectations they carry in FIFA tournaments.
GROUP E
Meanwhile France will look to make an impressive start to their campaign when they face debutants Caledonia in their first match of Group E at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Guwahati.
Although a formidable force in World football, France is yet to make good record in the U-17 World Cup. They might have finished as champions in 2001 but are only making their sixth appearance in the tournament. Possessing of players from Lyon and Paris St. German they have a strong squad this time around. Striker Amine Gouiri, who top scored in the U-17 Euro with be a player to watch out for.
Caledonia on the other hand is the smallest nation to participate in the world Cup. They may be making their debut but coach Dominique Wacalie is confident that his boys will exceed the expectations.
“Our ambition is to represent our country and our football at the highest level. Our intent is to put in our best and enjoy every moment. We don’t want to be spectators,” said coach Dominique.
Live from Kolkata: England vs Chile – 5:09 p.m.
Live from Guwahati: France vs New Caledonia – 5:00 p.m.