Preview: India take on Brazil in their ultimate FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup clash

Head coach Thomas Dennerby wants his team to score before signing off.

India will play for pride when they lock horns with Brazil in their final FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup game. India’s debut at the competition was certainly a one to forget, but there’s still so much that the nation can be proud of. The way the girls fought and how well the tournament was put together and much more. The match will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday. And with this, the Kalinga Stadium will draw its curtains as the remainder of the tournament will be played in Goa and Navi Mumbai. 

Ahead of India’s final game at the World Cup, let us take a look at what the encounter has to offer.

The Stakes

Brazil

For Brazil, there’s a lot at stake. The South American nation currently find themselves at the second position of Group A even though they’re tied on points with leaders USA due to an inferior goal difference.

They come into this game after an equally poised draw against the USA. Brazil came back from behind to win a point just after the USA took the lead. Although Brazil come into the game as clear favourites, they’ll still have to fight as India won’t back down.

India

Even though India’s journey at the World Cup is now over, they still have a lot at stake. They have to defend the entire nation’s honour at the world forum and for that, they’ll need to put up a strong fight for pride.

The way the girls fought against all odds speaks volume about their mental strength. They have a point to prove that girls are no less than boys and if given a chance, they can go a long way. The defeat to Morocco in the last game was disheartening, but fans can expect the girls to bounce back stronger than ever.

Team News

For Brazil, Dudinha is doubtful for the clash against India as she was taken off before half-time in the game against the USA. Meanwhile, India are expected to have a fully fit squad going into this game.

Head-to-Head

This is will be the first-ever clash between the two sides at the underage level.

Also Read: We will fight and try to score, says Thomas Dennerby

Probable Line-ups

Brazil: Leilane (GK); Ana Julia, Myka, Guta, Kedima (C); Carol, Aline, Lara, Rebeca; Alice, Jhonson.

India: Melody Keisham (GK); Shubhangi Singh, Naketa, Kajal, Astam Oraon (C); Nitu Linda, Babina Lisham, Kajol Dsouza, Shilky Hemam, Neha; Anita Kumari.

Players to watch

Leilane (Brazil)

Brazil’s shot stopper has been at the top of her game in the tournament so far. She has let in just one goal and made numerous saves. In the last game, it was she who denied the US a win with her perfectly timed saves and clearances.

Leilane was even adjudged as the player of the match against the mighty USA. She has faced four shots on target and has conceded just once so far in the tournament. The goalie is an exceptional talent and it will be tough for India to get the ball past her.

Melody Keisham (India)

Keisham was really good in the clash against Morocco. She stood like a wall and denied Morocco a lot of chances. She came off her line at the right time to make clearances.

Although she did make a few mistakes that cost India the game, all in all she had a decent game. For India to perform well and possibly take a point from this game, Melody’s performance will have to come good.

Did You Know?

• Brazil have scored two goals in as many matches at the tournament so far.
• India are yet to score a goal.
• If Brazil doesn't win or draw against India and Morocco gets a win or a draw against the USA, Morocco will go through to the knockout stage due to a better goal difference.

Telecast 

The match between Brazil and India will kick off at 8 PM IST. It will be broadcasted on the Sports18 network. The live streaming will be available on Voot and JioCinema.