Preview: India aim to bounce back against Morocco in FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup

The Lionesses of Atlas suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their first game.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is finally underway on the eastern and western coasts of India. The tournament has already hosted eight games between 16 nations in the first group stage matches of all the groups. While many teams have enjoyed a strong start to the tournament, hosts India have had a forgetful one on their World Cup debut. After a demoralising 0-8 defeat to the USA, the focus now shifts to India’s second clash against Morocco.

The Stakes

India

After suffering an agonising defeat to the USA, India will have to do everything in their power to bounce back. Thomas Dennerby and co will need to go out all guns blazing if they want to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

These girls have overcome much tougher real life obstacles than this and are highly capable of overcoming this as well. So, they will be expected to put up a better fight for pride against Morocco.

Morocco

Morocco began their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil on the opening day. They were really good and gave Brazil a really tough time, but just didn’t have luck on their side.

Morocco is a really balanced team and can hurt anyone on their day and following their opening day result, they’ll surely go all out to get their first set of points against India.

Team News

Both sides are expected to have their full squads available for selection.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first match between the two sides.

Probable Line-ups

India: Anjali Munda (GK); Shubhangi SIngh, Kajal, Naketa, Astam Oraon (C); Shilky Devi Hemam, Kajol Hubert Dsouza; Anita Kumari, Nitu Linda, Neha; Lynda Kom Serto.

Morocco: Wissal Titah (GK); Wissal El Assaoui, Fatima El Ghazouani, Nadia Benassou, Djennah Cherif; Samya Masnaoui, Dania Boussatta; Kamilia Et Tayyeby, Iman El Hannachi, Kenza Laksiri; Yasmine Zouhir (C).

Players to watch

Lynda Kom Serto (India)

Lynda was undoubtedly India’s best player in the match against the USA. She troubled the USA defenders with her skillful movements both with and without the ball. 

Her ability to hold the ball and create spaces can be a plus for India if they manage to get the most out of it. Serto is expected to lead the line for India against Morocco and will have a huge responsibility on her shoulders to set the right tone for India in front of goal.

Fatima El Ghazouani (Morocco)

Fatima was phenomenal in Morocco’s opening day fixture against Brazil. She operated as a right centre-back and gave Brazil’s attackers a really tough time everytime they came near her.

She is a proper ball playing centre-back who is defensively strong and can contribute in attack as well. Fatima’s never say die attitude was on display against Brazil and will be complimentary against India as well.

Did You Know?

• This will be the first game between India and Morocco at a World Cup.
• India conceded 30 shots in the game against the USA while Morocco conceded 18 shots against Brazil.
• Morocco conceded nine fouls against Brazil while India conceded only two against the USA.

Telecast 

The match between India and Morocco will kick off at 8 PM IST. It will be broadcasted on the Sports 18 network. The live streaming will be available on Voot and JioCinema.