Kolkata: Two time champions Mexico will aim to register their first win in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, when they take on Chile in their final Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Mexico are third in their group with 1 point and only a win against the La Rojita can send them into the knock-out rounds.
The 2017 CONCACAF champions did not have a great start to the tournament when they conceeded early against Iraq in their first match, however huddled and puffled to draw the match, but they lost against England in a thriller. Nevertheless, El Tri showed the fighting spirit scoring two late goals despite going behind by three goals against Engalnd. Diego Lainez, the boys they call ‘Messi’ at home scored two goals against Three Lions and will be Mexico’s main man against Chile. Jairo Torres will be another player to watch out for.
Chile meanwhile has had a worst campaign in the tournament. They have been battered and brushed aside, first by England and then by Iraq, but although Chile are mathematically out of the tournament, LA Rojita can still qualify given they beat Mexico by a huge margin of goals and at the same time don’t concede any. Chile will however be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Julio Borquez who missed the match against Iraq owing to suspension.
England vs Iraq
England has already qualified for the Knock-out rounds, while Iraq are knocking on the door. Both face each other in a mouth watering clash for the top spot at the Vivekanada Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. The three Lions ran riot against a hapless Chile, while held on to a late Mexican wave to win the match. But, on Saturday they face a tough Iraq side and will have to win if they are to top the group.
The Asian champions on the other hand, are on second with four points from two matches and only a draw will be enough for them to secure qualification. But a win can propel them to the top of the Group. “England are a very good team and have talented players. Each match has its own circumstances and we will play differently from the way we played against Mexico and Chile,” said Iraq coach Chitheer.
England will however be worried about Mohammad Dawood, who alone ran riot last Chile. The U-17 Euro runners-up will hope to avoid the same mistake they made against Mexico and hope that Dawood don’t do a Diego Lainez and create an upset.
GROUP E
France vs Honduras
Honduras face an enormous task at hand when they take on France in their last match of Group E at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. While France has already qualified with six points from two matchs, which saw them score nine goals while conceding only two, Honduras has to beat the Les Blues and at the same time hope hat Japan somehow fail to beat New Caledonia, to stand any chances of qualifying.
Team unity and containing the French attack will be the main concern for Los Catrachos, but at the same time Honduras has to attack and score goals and score them big to move to the next round.
Les Bleus meanwhile have already qualified but will aim to keep their momentum going into the knock-out rounds. They may also rest a few key players for the upcoming crucial ties.
Japan vs New Caledonia
The top ranked nation from Asia is almost certain of qualifying to the next round given their opponent on Saturday is a team that has already shipped 12 goals in the past two matches. Japan are just behind France in Group E but only a win against New Caledonia guarantee them a spot in round of 16.
coach Yoshiro Moriyama has informed of resting few key players for the match, but will not compromise for anything other than a win from his boys. “Every match from thereon can be our final match and we will treat them as such…But our target is not just to get beyond the group stage,” said Moriyama.
Caledonia erstwhile are already knocked out of the tournament but will look to bow out with pride. They have enough quality to beat Japan and will aim to achieve their first win in a FIFA tournament.
Live from Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium, Guwahati:
France vs Honduras – 5:00 p.m.
Mexico vs Chile – 8:00 p.m.
Live from Vivekanada Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata:
Japan vs New Caledonia – 5:00 p.m.
England vs Iraq – 8:00 p.m.
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