India Under-17 team arrive in Brazil ahead of international friendly tournament

The Junior Colts are one of four teams to take part in the event hosted by Atletico Paranaense…

The India Under-17 team have arrived in Brazil ahead of participating in the international friendly tournament to be hosted by Atletico Paranaense.

The 4-team event which will take place from 10th-18th December will feature the hosts, Orlando City and the Uruguayan Under-17 national team.  The matches which will be hosted at the Atletico Paranaense Stadium are seen as vital preparation for the Junior Colts ahead of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be hosted in India next year.

The whole of the Indian squad had touched down in the country by Friday morning before starting pre-season training at the club’s training base at CAT Alfredo Gottardi ahead of the tournament.

Head coach Nicolai Adam oversaw the first training session in the yesterday afternoon and was all praise for the facilities on offer. "It's a beautiful structure, nothing is missing here. It's all like Germany: same weather, beautiful countryside and infrastructure. I'm really impressed and it will be great to be here, "the coach said. “I expect high-quality opponents. I know two Atletico Paranaense players who played in the Subroto Cup in India. So the quality should be good. Brazil is a nation with a tradition in football. I believe it will be a great tournament, "added Adam about the competition.

 Luiz Greco, Director of International Relations at Atletico Paranaense, highlighted the arrival of the first team for the competition. “We have a very high expectation with the arrival of the first delegation, which is part of the cooperation agreement that Atletico Paranaense has with the All India Football Federation. Not only the athletes, but also the coaching staff, are extremely impressed with our structure and we could already expect that. Everyone is very happy, looking forward to great preparation for our international tournament, "Greco said.

Under the format each team will play three games ahead of the semi-finals followed by the Final and a third/fourth place match. After the league games the top team will play the fourth placed team, while second meets third.

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Report Via CAP Media with inputs from Khel Now Editorial team.

Photo: Fabio Wosniak