FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Matchday 8 Preview

The Germans have stuttered through their first two games at the tournament and must bring their A-game to the table on Friday...

Germany U-17 on Friday face Guinea U-17 in a crunch Group C clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, as FIFA U-17 World Cup enters a more serious phase.

In a game many touted Germany to win, Christian Wuck’s side phoned in, as they let a rampant Iran U-17 side rout them 4-0. They will now be heading into their final group game with huge pressure upon their shoulders, as they need to avoid a defeat to Guinea at all costs. Guinea, who haven’t had as much success as the other Africa U-17 Cup of Nations sides have enjoyed so far, however, will be a tough nut to crack, given their superb scoring record.

Team News

Against Iran, Germany made four changes to the starting line-up from their opener against Costa Rica U-17, as they brought in Noah Awuku, Dominik Becker, Sahverdi Cetin and Erik Majetschak. The coach, however, upon conceding two goals before halftime, took off the latter and Jan Boller to introduce Jessic Ngankam and Elias Abouchabaka. With the substitutes failing to produce the desired result as well, one expects the coach to make at least a few changes to the squad.

Guinea coach Souleymane Camara made three changes after losing to Iran 3-1, as he brought in 6ft 4in goalkeeper Mohamed Camara, Ismael Traore and Elhadj Bah. With their defensive record improving only by a small margin after the changes, he may make a few changes at the back, with the attacking unit set to remain the same.

Head-to-Head

Friday’s game marks the first time these two teams meet each other.

Man to Watch

Jann-Fiete Arp–Germany: Many expected the Hamburg teenager, who has scored 50 goals in 60 youth appearances for club and country, to set Goa abuzz, but he has largely gone missing despite scoring the opener against Costa Rica. He will seek redemption in Kochi, capitalizing on Guinea’s shambolic defensive record. He’ll need the German midfield, which Iran had rendered useless, to feed him the right balls, though.

Djibril Toure– Guinea: One of the ten players Khel Now asked the readers to keep an eye on before the start of the tournament, he has already scored two goals to boost his market value. However, with his teammates at the back proving ineffective, his goals haven’t had much significance. Playing against an opposition whose defence has been as disorganized as his team’s ought to motivate him to score more than what Guinea concedes.

Probable Lineups

Guinea XI: Camara, Samuel, Soumah, Cherif, Issiaga, Sekou, Fandje Toure, Aguibou, Cisse, Salia, Naby

Germany XI: Plogmann, Nitzl, Hackethal, Boller, Arp, Abouchabaka, Kuhn, Jastrzembski, Keitel, Mai, Yeboah

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD at 17:00 hours IST. You can also stream the game on Sony LIV.

Other Matches

Match 2: Costa Rica U-17 vs. Iran U-17

Kickoff

13 October, 17:00 hours

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. You can also stream the game on Sony LIV.

Match 3: Spain U-17 vs. North Korea U-17

Kickoff

13 October, 20:00 hours

Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. You can also stream the game on Sony LIV.

Match 4: Niger U-17 vs. Brazil U-17

Kickoff

13 October, 20:00 hours

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa

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Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD. You can also stream the game on Sony LIV.