NZ BOWLERS SAY THEY HAVE A PLAN TO TACKLE INDIA
The league stage is done and it’s the business end of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. One team that has caught my attention during the group stage is Iran. To be drawn in a group with football powerhouse Germany and Costa Rica, they were probably expected at best, to get the third spot.
But their demolition of Costa Rica and Germany was something unexpected. They undoubtedly played exhilarating football. As much as it was unexpected from Iran, it must have been equally very special for them. 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 Indian lads were drawn into a very hard group. But they can be monumentally proud of how they showed up and represented the country.
To be the first team to represent India in a World Cup and to score in front of their people is a massive 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 France and Ghana attack opponents. Though Brazil are the favourites, France and Ghana are equally dangerous.
In the past, African nations have always dominated agegroup football as they are more physically developed at this age than a majority of other countries. But, with everyone catching up, the competition has become a lot more even.
That’s the reason why fivetime champion and title defenders Nigeria’s absence hasn’t really taken the sheen off the competition this time. That’s also why it is difficult to pick the winner.
England will be looking to add to their impressive U-20 World Cup win. Brazil are as always, stepping up to the plate on the big occasion. Also the dominance of the French team can’t go unnoticed. If I have to make a choice, then it has to be a toss-up between France and Brazil.
It is exciting time for football fans in India. Things have started to move in the right direction.
India has to continue developing the game and infrastructure for the next five, 10, 15 years and more for football to meet it’s true potential.