England vs Iraq ( Group F)

Kolkata, Oct. 13: Iraq will look to continue their dream run and seal a maiden prequarterfinal berth when they lock horns with heavyweights England in a Group F match of the Fifa Under- 17 World Cup here on Saturday.

Making their second U- 17 World Cup appearance, Iraq have been the surprise package of the proverbial ‘ group of death’ as they are well placed to advance to the knockout stage following a spirited 1- 1 draw against twotime champions Mexico, and a 3- 0 rout of Latin American giants Chile.

England have already sealed a last- 16 berth, while a draw will be enough for Iraq to earn a place in the knockout stage.

Mohammed Dawood has been at the heart of Iraq’s attack scoring three of the four goals. It will be interesting to see how he goes at the English defence led by captain Joel Taibeaudiere along with Timothy Eyoma, Marc Guehi and Jonathan Panzo.

England’s defence seemed on

to crumble against Diego Lainez’s seven- minute brace late in the second half last Wednesday but they survived to outlast Mexico 3- 2 and ensure a pre- quarterfinal berth.

With seven goals from two matches, the Young Lions could not have asked for a better start. Precocious Japan will look to return to winning ways against debutants New Caledonia and grab a knockout berth in a Group E fixture here.

Japan’s rousing start to their campaign was halted by France as the East Asian powerhouse suffered a 1- 2 defeat to hand their opponents a knockout berth in Guwahati two days ago.

Having shifted base for the group stage climax, Japan will look to make short work of the debutants.

New Caledonia, the newest member from the Oceania, have already leaked 12 goals in two matches as another lopsided contest is on offer.

In their last outing, Japan trailed France by two goals but the Yoshiro Moriyamacoached side showed character to create chances.