New Delhi: Host nation India, along with Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and DPR Korea, are set to fly the flag for Asia at this month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup which gets underway on Friday.
Asia’s Hopefuls
India (Group A): As host nation, India qualified automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and this will be the first time that the country has represented Asia at a FIFA event. India did not progress beyond the Group Stage at last year’s AFC U-16 Championship, but hope springs eternal under new coach Luis Norton de Matos who was appointed in March.
Also in Group A: The USA, who are appearing in their 16th FIFA U-17 World Cup, Colombia and Ghana - two-time winners at this level.
Opening Group A fixtures: India v USA; Colombia v Ghana (both October 6)
Islamic Republic of Iran (Group C): After losing out on penalties to Iraq in the final of last year’s AFC U-16 Championship, Iran are set to embark on their fourth campaign at this level. Previous appearances in 2001, 2009 and 2013 saw the Iranians twice go beyond the Group Stage, a notable achievement that head coach Abbas Chamanian will be hoping can be repeated in India.
Also in Group C: Guinea, European powerhouse Germany and Costa Rica, who have reached the quarter-finals on four occasions.
Opening Group C fixtures: Germany v Costa Rica; Iran v Guinea (both October 7)
DPR Korea (Group D): Despite eventually losing out to Iran in the last four, a quarter-final victory over Oman at last year’s AFC U-16 Championship guaranteed DPR Korea their ticket to India. The Young Chollima have progressed into the knockout phase of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on three previous occasions – 2005, 2007 and, most recently, 2015.
Also in Group D: Three-time champions Brazil, Spain and tournament debutants Niger.
Opening Group D fixtures: Brazil v Spain; DPR Korea v Niger (both October 7)
Japan (Group E): The Japanese reached the semi-finals of the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship before being beaten by Iraq. Despite that defeat, their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was assured, with the Samurai Blue – under head coach Yoshiro Moriyama - now set to make an eighth appearance at the tournament. Japan have twice reached the quarter-finals – as hosts in 1993 and then again in 2011.
Also in Group E: 1998 champions France, Honduras and New Caledonia, who are making their FIFA U-17 World Cup finals debut.
Opening Group E fixtures: New Caledonia v France; Honduras v Japan (both October 8)
Iraq (Group F): A talented Iraq side beat regional rivals Islamic Republic of Iran on penalties to claim the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship in India and confirm their spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Iraqis are set to make their second appearance at the tournament having featured in the 2013 edition which was held in the United Arab Emirates.
Also in Group F: 2005 and 2011 champions Mexico, Chile and England.
Opening Group F fixtures: Chile v England; Iraq v Mexico (both on October 8)
Asia @previous FIFA U-17 World Cups
Saudi Arabia are Asia’s only previous champions, having won the event in 1989 when it was the FIFA U-16 World Cup. Since then, three sides have finished third – Bahrain, Qatar and Oman in 1989, 1991 and 1995 respectively. Elsewhere, Nigeria are the FIFA U-17 World Cup’s most successful nation having claimed five titles and are followed by Brazil who have three successes to their name.
Saudi Arabia beat Scotland 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time in 1989.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Venues
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi Athletic International Stadium, Guwahati
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata
Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao
Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
CLICK HERE FOR FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP 2017 INDIA FIXTURES
Source: FIFA.com
Source: the-afc.com