Big Matches to look out for in the U-17 World cup
England meets Spain, Germany faces Iran and more as we make sure you don't miss any of the mouth-watering fun.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup is knocking on the door to put India on the International stage in football. The Tournament is said to bring out some of the biggest and the brightest talents that the countries have to offer. With India's participation, it makes it all the sweeter for the host nation and the Young colts will look to put up a great show. The tournament is by far one of the biggest, if not the biggest tournament that this country has hosted. With Indian football on the rise, the interest and the backing that the sport will receive after this tournament will be a welcome change in the country.
The tournament has a lot of to offer and in this article, we'll be focusing on some of the biggest matches to look out for come this World cup.
#1 Brazil vs Spain - 7th October - 17:00 IST
This match is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches in this tournament's schedule. The boys from Brazil are coming into the tournament as firm favourites to lift this trophy. Looking to add to their Three World cup titles, the Brazilians would want to hit the ground running.
With Vinicius Jr. missing out from the tournament, Abel Ruiz will look forward in dominating this fixture in the Brazilian's absence
The Spaniards, on the other end, are coming on the back of a U-17 Euros Championship win. This will have the squad's spirits high and will definitely put up a great fight to the Brazilians.
#2 England vs Mexico - 11th October -17:00 IST
The English team had narrowly missed out on the U-17 Euros Championship to Spain and will look to make amends in the forthcoming U-17 World cup. The Young Lions compared to their opponents Mexico are a fairly elementary side when it comes to their appearance numbers in the World cup. England have only made 3 appearances compared to Mexico's 13 prior to this tournament.
Mexico, who are seasoned veterans in this competition, will look to capitalise on their familiarity. Having qualified through the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, Mexico will look to carry on the momentum to this tournament.
#3 Germany vs Iran - 10th October - 20:00 IST
The Germans have become a serious force to be reckoned with in the footballing world in recent times. If the senior team is anything to go by, this U-17 side should no doubt snowball through the tournament. Having never won this prestigious cup, Germany will be looking to add another feather to their cap come to the end of this tournament.
Jann-Fiete Arp, Germany's Sharpshooter, will be a sure contender for the Golden boot
Standing in their way are the giants from the western side of the Asian Continent, Iran. Having finished as runners-up in the AFC U-16 Championships in 2016, the team would like to replicate if not one-up their performance from their showing at the AFC u16 tournament in 2016. Germany would have to try hard to unlock this Iranian defence.
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#4 India vs USA - 6th October - 20:00 IST
The moment every Indian football fan wants is to witness India playing in a football World Cup. Even if it is the U-17 World cup, it is still a giant step for a country like India who are looking to cultivate a healthy footballing culture in the sub-continent. Will India go far in this world cup? Probably not, but this is more than just their performance in the tournament.
India's most promising youngster, Komal Thatal in action.
The USA, who have previously reached the Semi-finals stage of the tournament, will look to start their tournament with a victory. Facing a team like India could bring up a lot of problems because you certainly do not know what to expect from them. Will India pull off an upset?
#5 Mali vs New Zealand - 12th October - 17:00 IST
Mali are coming on the back of a title-winning run in AFCON and will look to capitalise on the moment. Mali, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition of this tournament, will look to go one step further this time around. Standing against them, is New Zealand, a team that have entered this competition after winning the OFC Championship.
New Zealand who have previously only managed a best finish to the Round of 16 stage, will look to build upon their performances. This clash is definitely one to look out for as two regional champions go head to head.
#6 France vs Japan - 11th October - 17:00 IST
Another European powerhouse will look to get their mojo back coming into this tournament. The French U17 National team won the 2015 U17 European Championship and put up a really abysmal show in the U17 Euros held earlier this year. They will look to bounce back and what better stage to do it than the World Cup.
Amine Gouiri, the French International who impressed in the U-17 Euros, will look to carry his form over to the World cup
Japan on the other end, have gone a long period without performing to their maximum potential. Their best finish in a World Cup is a trip to the Quarter Finals in the 2011 edition of this competition. Japan who hadn't qualified for the previous World Cup, will look to put on a show this time around.
#7 Chile vs England - 8th October - 17:00 IST
The Chileans put on a great shift in the U17 Euros Championship, standing 2nd by the end of the tournament. Chile, who have qualified only for the fourth time in this competition's history, are raring to go from the start. Ending their last U17 World cup campaign in the Round of 16 stage, they will want to improve on that finish given the fact that their team looks all the more better.
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England are a force to be reckoned with. With many young prodigies on their side, England are fully equipped and are possible contenders for the title. Having featured just 3 teams before in the history of the competition, these two sides match perfectly. This fixture will definitely bring out the best in both sides and will be a treat for the spectators.
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