Kochi: The FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted for the first time in India could not have asked for a better start. All the four matches on the opening day were enthralling with Paraguay vs Mali culminating with a intense climax that saw five goals scored in 90 odd minutes.
In what can be called as a clash of champions, three times winners Brazil take on Spain in the opening match of Group D at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi on saturday. They may have suffered a set-back when star striker Vinicius Junior ruled himself out of the tournament, but Brazil cannot be taken lightly.
With players such as Lincoln, ‘Paulinho’ and Brenner behind the mercurial Alan Souza and Yuri Alberto in their line-up, the Selecon country possesses some of the highly-rated youngsters who will hope to leave their mark in the world Cup this year.
Spain on the other hand come as the UEFA U-17 Euros champion and as Brazilian star ‘Paulinho’ said, “It’s a match between two heavyweights, two very big teams that are arriving as regional champions. It will definitely give us an idea of where we stand in the tournament, and them too. It’s our first match, so it’s our first final.”
While Brazil won the South American U-17 Championships netting a massive 24 goals and also remaining unbeaten in the tournament, Spain put a fine attacking display in the U-17 Euros that ended with beating England in the final. Abel Ruiz a product of the famed La Masia scored four goals and will be the main threat for Brazil in their opening match.
“Our job is to work together in a group so that he (Abel Ruiz) can perform to his best level,” said head coach Santi Denia, showing why the 17-year-old is just so important for Spain’s title dreams.
With so many stars fighting for a place in the line-ups of both the teams coaches are expected to have a tough time in selecting the match day squad. While it can be called a battle of eqauls, only the team who put in a better shift in defence can come out as the winner.
Pressure will however be on Brazil as they aim for their fourth title. “There’s no pressure on us. We have never won the U-17 World Cup, but we will try to win it this time,” Spanish coach Denia concluded.
Niger vs Korea
Playing their first ever U-17 World Cup, Niger will take on Korea in a battle of underdogs in the second match of Group D in Kochi. With Spain and Brazil expected by many to qualify from the group, both these teams will aim to win this match and fight for a place among the best third placed teams that will qualify for the round of 16.
“We will play according to the styles of different teams. We have watched videos, observed different teams’ styles of play. We are ready to adapt,” said Niger coach Soumalia in a confident tone.
Live from Kochi:
Brazil vs Spain – 5:00 p.m.
Niger vs Korea -8:00 p.m.
Live On: SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD, SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD for English commentary
SONY TEN 3 and SONY TEN 3 HD for Hindi Commentary.
Doordashan channel DD Sports will also air the games.