If given a choice, it will be toss up between Brazil and France

The league stage is done and it’s the business end of the U-17 World Cup. One team that caught my attention during the group stage is Iran. To be drawn in a group with Germany and Costa Rica, they were expected at best, to get the third spot.

But their demolition of Costa Rica and Germany was unexpected. But the tournament doesn’t end here – in fact it starts now. Iran should go past Mexico in the round of 16 but they will have an uphill task facing either France or Spain next.

As far as India is concerned, let’s be honest that the lads were drawn in a hard group. But they can be proud of how they represented the country. To be the first team to represent India in a World Cup and score in front of their people is an achievement.

They can honestly all go back to their families and friends with their heads held high, knowing they gave it all. And a very special congratulations to Jeakson Singh for becoming India’s first ever World Cup goal scorer!

On the other hand, Brazil, Spain and England have also been very impressive with their performances, quality and control. But I quite like the pace with which Franceand Ghanaattack. Though Brazil are favourites, France and Ghana are equally dangerous.

In the past, African nations have always dominated agegroup football as they are more physically developed than a lot of other countries. But, with everyone catching up, competition has become a lot more even.

That’s the reason why fivetime champions Nigeria’s absence hasn’t taken the sheen off the competition.

England will be looking to add to their impressive U-20 World Cup win. Brazil are stepping up to the plate on the big occasion. Also the dominance of France can’t go unnoticed. If I have to make a choice, it has to be a toss up between France and Brazil.