Hosts India are clubbed with USA, two-time champs Ghana and two-time semi-finalists Colombia at official FIFA World Cup draw in city yesterday
India badminton star PV Sindhu (left) draws a group position as national football skipper Sunil Chettri looks on during the official draw of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
India badminton star PV Sindhu (left) draws a group position as national football skipper Sunil Chettri looks on during the official draw of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
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Hosts India will kick-off their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign against the USA on October 6 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. At the official draw in Mumbai yesterday, India were clubbed along with two-time semi-finalists Colombia, two-time champions Ghana and the USA in Group A.
Former India captain Baichung Bhutia termed the group 'a difficult one', but admitted he was glad India was playing USA in the tournament opener. "The other two teams, Ghana and Colombia, are really tough. Let's hope for the best. If the boys can do something in the first match, who knows," Bhutia said.
India's current skipper Sunil Chhetri however was optimistic after the draw. "This is a World Cup and all the teams are tough. But I am happy that the boys are taking it positively, which is great," he said.
India's U-17 Portuguese coach Luis Norton de Matos, who had taken charge of the team in March this year, is quite aware of his challenges during the tournament. Under Matos, the U-17 team have progressed, earning some important wins in their preparatory tour to a few European nations. Whether his presence can produce magic will be eagerly watched.
"We have three countries playing different styles of football. I have always kept a close watch on South American football and know very well how Colombia plays. They are traditionally always among the best four South American teams. Ghana is really a tough opponent from Africa and the USA have a rich tradition in this tournament.
"The draw seems to be tough, but then, in a World Cup, every group and every team will be difficult to beat. In such tournaments, the host nation plays with a twelfth man and that is the public. I hope we shall greatly be supported by the patriotic Indians."
Realistically, there is little chance of India to progress to the knockout phase from such a tough group, but Matos was unperturbed. "When I took the challenge in March, I knew I had so little time to prepare for such a big event. Of course, the result is important, but this is a tournament for the hosts to prepare for the future. This is the first and one of the most important steps taken by Indian football. My boys are not afraid and neither am I. We are ready to face the world," he said.
India's schedule
vs USA (October 6 at 8pm)
vs Colombia (October 9 at 8pm)
vs Ghana (October 12 at 8pm)
*All matches in IST
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